Uber and General Motors’ self-driving subsidiary, Cruise, have announced a strategic partnership to offer autonomous vehicles on the Uber ride-hailing platform. The partnership will be launched next year and will utilize Cruise’s Chevy Bolt-based autonomous vehicles. Once the service is operational, Uber users will have the option to choose a Cruise autonomous vehicle for their rides.
The specific details of what will qualify as a “qualifying” ride on the Uber app have not been provided. It is also unclear which locations the service will be available in. However, this partnership marks a significant step forward in the integration of self-driving technology into the ride-hailing industry.
This announcement comes shortly after Cruise agreed to recall nearly 1,200 self-driving cars due to issues with unexpected braking. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) initiated an investigation into the braking problem, which could increase the risk of rear-end collisions. Cruise addressed the issue by issuing software updates that significantly reduced the risk, leading the NHTSA to close its investigation.
Uber has been actively pursuing partnerships in the autonomous vehicle space. In 2023, the company partnered with Waymo, formerly known as the Google self-driving car project, to offer driverless rides. They have also struck a deal with driverless truck company Aurora, allowing Uber Freight carriers to begin driverless operations in the future.
These partnerships have already had a significant impact on the number of trips made by self-driving vehicles on Uber’s platform. In the June quarter, the number of trips by self-driving vehicles increased six-fold compared to the previous year. This growth can be attributed in part to the collaborations with Waymo and Aurora.
Overall, the partnership between Uber and Cruise represents a major advancement in the integration of autonomous vehicles into the ride-hailing industry. As self-driving technology continues to evolve, these partnerships will play a crucial role in shaping the future of transportation.
