The Cruise AV is based on the Chevrolet Bolt EV, an electric hatchback that GM already sells in certain markets.
General Motors (GM), in collaboration with US-based Cruise Automation, aims to take autonomous driving to the next level with the introduction of the Cruise AV – a car with no steering wheel or pedals.
While the Cruise AV may seem like a motoring enthusiast’s worst nightmare, the car has actually been purpose built for GM’s commercial ride-sharing fleet that the company aims to operate in USA by 2019. The car sports 21 radar sensors, 16 cameras and 5 LIDAR units to help it propel and steer on its own.
GM is seeking approval from the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration in the US to operate as many as 2,600 of such vehicles in the country. The company also needs approval from the individual US states where it wants to run these cars in. Media reports claim that GM executives are working with American authorities to allow as many as 16 alterations to existing vehicle safety rules, such as having an airbag in what would generally be the driver’s seat but without a steering wheel.
Furthermore, the Cruise AV is capable of closing its own doors, just in case the passenger forgets to do it while leaving the car. The car is also equipped with certain features to help and see visually impaired people.
A brief official preview of the GM Cruise AV can be seen in the video below.
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