NHTSA Closes Safety Investigation of Cruise Robotaxis
No Action After GM Closes Unit
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U.S. auto safety regulators ended a federal investigation into Cruise robotaxis without taking action, removing an overhang weeks after General Motors Co. decided to shutter the struggling business.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration had opened a preliminary evaluation in late 2023 to determine potential safety risks from Cruise’s driverless vehicles. The company drew heavy scrutiny following an incident in October of that year in which a car hit and dragged a pedestrian, causing serious injuries.
In closing the probe, NHTSA cited Cruise’s decision to recall its driving system software and noted that the company has since ceased operating on public roads. The agency said in a document posted to its website on Jan. 15 that it “reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.”
GM didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
The announcement comes about a month after GM said it would shut down the robotaxi operations, citing heavy development costs. The automaker said it would fold Cruise into its existing business and continue to pursue driverless technology for future models.
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