<div>
  <ul>
    <li>
      <p>
        Cruise, General Motors' (GM's) self-driving vehicle subsidiary, has resumed testing its autonomous vehicles in Phoenix, Arizona. Two self-driving cars with human safety operators at the wheel have been introduced and eight more vehicles will be driven manually in the area to gather data.
      </p>
    </li>
    <li>
      <p>
        The company is currently verifying its technology to meet specific safety and performance standards, and it plans to extend testing to other suburbs around Phoenix, such as Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Tempe, Mesa, Gilbert, and Chandler.
      </p>
    </li>
    <li>
      <p>
        <b>Analyst QuickTake: </b>
        Following an incident in San Francisco where a pedestrian was injured by one of its robotaxis in October 2023, which led to the 
        <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/23186">
          suspension of its nationwide operations,
        </a>
         Cruise has redirected its operational focus to Phoenix, leaving its activities in San Francisco at a standstill. This move came after Californian authorities 
        <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/23186">
          revoked the company's permits
        </a>
         for autonomous testing and deployment in the state.
      </p>
    </li>
  </ul>
  <p>
  </p>
</div>


<div>
  <p>
    <a href="https://techcrunch.com/2024/05/13/gms-cruise-ramps-up-robotaxi-testing-in-phoenix/">
      TechCrunch
    </a>
  </p>
  <p>
    <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/gms-cruise-start-testing-robotaxis-phoenix-area-human-110184299">
      ABC News
    </a>
  </p>
</div>


Auto Tech

ANALYST_QUICK_TAKE

INCUMBENTS_PRESENT

PROMINENT_CATEGORY

<div>
 <p>Cruise, a subsidiary of General Motors (GM), has restarted its autonomous vehicle testing in Phoenix, Arizona. The initial phase features two self-driving cars with human safety operators on board. An additional eight vehicles will be manually driven in the same area to collect necessary data.</p>
 <p>As part of its ongoing pursuit for safety and performance, the company is in the process of confirming its technology standards. Plans are underway to expand the testing to other suburbs surrounding Phoenix, including Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Tempe, Mesa, Gilbert, and Chandler.</p>
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
 </b> Following an incident in San Francisco where a pedestrian was injured by one of its robotaxis in October 2023, which led to the <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/23186"> suspension of its nationwide operations, </a> Cruise has redirected its operational focus to Phoenix, leaving its activities in San Francisco at a standstill. This move came after Californian authorities <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/23186"> revoked the company's permits </a> for autonomous testing and deployment in the state.</p>

GM’s Cruise to begin autonomous vehicle testing in Phoenix

<div>
 <p>Cruise, the self-driving vehicle subsidiary of General Motors (GM), is renewing its robotaxi service in Phoenix, Arizona. Instead of using self-driving technology, the service will focus on manual driving in order to collect data for mapping and road analysis. This relaunch is the first since they suspended operations nationwide in October 2023 over safety and regulatory issues.</p>
 <p>The company's current focus is to authenticate and refine its autonomous driving technology through this data collection and analysis. However, Cruise has not stated when it will recommence autonomous operations.</p>
 <p>Additional focus areas include improving incident response and crisis management protocols and increasing engagement with first responders. These measures are part of an overarching strategy to address safety concerns and re-establish trust in their autonomous vehicle technology.</p>
 
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
</b> Cruise’s previous expansion efforts were marred by technological malfunctions and regulatory challenges, notably following an <a href="https:<br>
//techcrunch.com/2023/10/03/in-latest-cruise-incident-video-shows-pedestrian-struck-by-human-driven-car-then-run-over-by-robotaxi/"> incident </a> where a pedestrian was injured by a Cruise vehicle in San Francisco, leading to the <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/23027"> suspension of its permits </a> in California. Subsequently, the company voluntarily withdrew its driverless taxi operations nationwide. The company's move to manually driven vehicles signifies a step back from its <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/20752"> rapid expansion strategy, </a> which was also criticized for potentially compromising safety.</p>

GM's Cruise to redeploy manually driven autonomous vehicles in Phoenix

<div>
 <p>General Motors is intensifying its semi-automated driving system, "Super Cruise," coverage by including about 350,000 miles of roadways in the US and Canada, effectively doubling the locations where the system can operate.</p>
 <p>The expansion encompasses divided highways and two-lane roads connecting cities and towns. The system is capable of navigating roads with crossroads and oncoming traffic, but necessitates the readiness of the driver to assume control.</p>
 <p>The firm aims to expand by deploying online software updates through 2025, without incurring additional costs for the customers.</p>
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
</b> Driver assistance tech is hitting its stride, but is also facing challenges about safety and rules. Companies like GM and <a href=" https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/17189"> Tesla </a> keep updating their driver assistance systems but are also challenged by safety incidents and <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/12749"> regulatory scrutiny. </a></p>

GM doubles coverage of Super Cruise system in US and Canada

<div>
 <p>Steve Kenner, a seasoned professional from the autonomous vehicle industry, has been appointed as the first chief safety officer by Cruise, General Motors' (GM's) self-driving vehicle subsidiary. This comes as a response to a controversial <a href="https://techcrunch.com/2023/10/03/in-latest-cruise-incident-video-shows-pedestrian-struck-by-human-driven-car-then-run-over-by-robotaxi/">incident</a> that involved a Cruise robotaxi injuring a pedestrian. Kenner brings nearly four decades of experience in engineering and safety from his time at self-driving car and truck developers like Kodiak, Locomation, Aurora, and Uber's now-defunct self-driving division.</p>
 <p>Louise Zhang will maintain her position as VP of safety and systems despite the recent incident and the scrutiny it brought. She will be working with Kenner to enhance the safety protocols of the company. 
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
</b> This leadership change comes during a challenging period for Cruise, including a <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/25064"> reduced workforce, </a> <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/24204"> executive resignations, </a> and a <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/26083"> significant cut in investment from GM </a> as it reevaluates the company's direction and response to safety incidents. The appointment also follows a critical report on Cruise's handling of the accident, which found the company's leadership was overly focused on media perception and lacked transparency with the public and regulators, leading to <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/25895"> multiple government investigations. </a></p>

GM’s Cruise appoints Steve Kenner as first chief safety officer

<div>
 <p>General Motors (GM) has launched its “OnStar” connected services in Bahrain as part of its regional expansion plan. The service offers Chevrolet, GMC, and Cadillac owners enhanced connectivity, safety, and security features while driving.</p>
 <p>OnStar is available through two subscription plans: "Connect" and "Protect." The Connect plan includes various remote services and 24/7 support, while the Protect plan focuses on safety features like automatic crash response and emergency assistance, demonstrating GM's emphasis on driver safety and security.</p>
 <p>The introduction of OnStar in Bahrain is a collaborative effort between GM, STC, and local government entities. This initiative is in line with Bahrain's Vision 2030 objectives to enhance connectivity in the mobility sector.</p>
 
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
 </b> Today’s news follows GM OnStar's introduction in other Middle East countries, such as Saudi Arabia <a href="https:<br>
//www.gmarabia.com/en/home/newsroom.detail.html/Pages/news/me/en/2024/gm/01-23-general-motors-onstar-launches-in-Saudi-Arabia"> (January 2024), </a> the UAE <a href="https:<br>
//www.gmarabia.com/en/home/newsroom.detail.html/Pages/news/me/en/2021/gm/12-70-General-Motors-launches-OnStar-offering-the-widest-range-of-in-vehicle-safety-and-security-services-available-to-drivers"> (December 2021), </a> and Kuwait <a href="https:<br>
//uae.motoraty.com/m/news/gm-launches-onstar-vehicle-safety-security-technology-kuwait"> (August 2021). </a></p>

GM introduces OnStar connected services in Bahrain

Electrifying passenger and commercial travel

EV Economy

<div>
 
 <p>General Motors (GM) appointed Kurt Kelty as the new vice president of Batteries, overseeing the Ultium program, a new role within the company.</p>
 <p>Prior to this, Kelty helmed commercialization at Sila Nanotechnologies and had a long tenure as the leader of Tesla’s battery team. He also held senior positions at Panasonic.</p>
 
</div>

GM hires Kurt Kelly as vice president of batteries

<div>

<p>LG Chem has entered into a contract worth USD 18.6 billion with GM. The ten-year agreement involves the supply of EV battery materials. The company is expected to provide a minimum of 500,000 tonnes of cathode materials, adequate to construct batteries for approximately 5 million electric vehicles, through to 2035. Production of these materials is planned to take place in LG's Tennessee factory, currently under construction, starting from 2026.</p>

</div>

LG Chem signs USD 18.6 billion EV battery material deal with GM

<div>
<p>GM intends to cut its investment in Cruise, its autonomous vehicle division, by about $1 billion in 2024, signalling a slowdown despite its commitment to the project.Initially, CEO Mary Barra disclosed plans to restructure and relaunch the struggling division.The unit reported considerable financial losses in 2023, which amounted to $1.9 billion in cash burn and a $2.7 billion pretax loss apart from restructuring expenses.</p>
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake: </b> Cruise, under scrutiny from an <a href="https://techcrunch.com/2023/10/03/in-latest-cruise-incident-video-shows-pedestrian-struck-by-human-driven-car-then-run-over-by-robotaxi/"> incident </a> where one of its autonomous vehicles hit and dragged a pedestrian in San Francisco, is <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/25895"> facing investigations </a> by several federal agencies. The incident led to the <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/23027"> suspension of its autonomous vehicle permits </a> in California. Subsequently, the company <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/23186"> voluntarily withdrew </a> its driverless taxi operations nationwide. Additionally, the period saw significant organizational changes, including the resignation of its <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/24104"> CEO </a> and several <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/24204"> key executives, </a> along with <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/23630"> recalls </a> and <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/25064"> layoffs. </a></p>

GM halves spending on self-driving vehicle unit Cruise

<div>
 <p>Cruise, General Motors' autonomous vehicle branch, is under investigation by the NHTSA, DOJ, SEC, and Californian state agencies following a severe pedestrian accident in October. Alongside this, an internal investigation from a hired law firm criticised Cruise for poor communication, misunderstanding their public responsibilities, and multiple organisational issues, from poor leadership to a lack of transparency and accountability.</p>
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake: </b> Following the incident in October, Cruise faced the <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/23027"> suspension of its autonomous vehicle permits </a> in California. Subsequently, the company <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/23186"> voluntarily withdrew </a> its driverless taxi operations nationwide. Additionally, the period saw significant organizational changes, including the resignation of its <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/24104"> CEO </a> and several <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/24204"> key executives, </a> along with <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/23630"> recalls </a> and <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/25064"> layoffs. </a></p>

GM’s Cruise investigated by several federal agencies

<div>
 
 <p>General Motors (GM) has formed a partnership with startup FreeWire Technologies to increase ultrafast EV charging infrastructure for GM Envolve's fleet and commercial customers. The automaker plans to make FreeWire's solutions available in early 2024.</p>
 <p>This collaboration allows GM Envolve to offer inclusive energy transition solutions, marrying vehicles with a personalized charging setup.</p>
 
</div>

All Updates

GM’s Cruise to begin autonomous vehicle testing in Phoenix

GM's Cruise to redeploy manually driven autonomous vehicles in Phoenix

GM doubles coverage of Super Cruise system in US and Canada

GM’s Cruise appoints Steve Kenner as first chief safety officer

GM introduces OnStar connected services in Bahrain

GM hires Kurt Kelly as vice president of batteries

LG Chem signs USD 18.6 billion EV battery material deal with GM

GM halves spending on self-driving vehicle unit Cruise

GM’s Cruise investigated by several federal agencies

GM partners FreeWire to deploy EV charging infrastructure

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GM’s Cruise to begin autonomous vehicle testing in Phoenix

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