GM's Cruise abandons Origin robotaxi, takes $583M charge

GM's Cruise has decided to abandon the development of the Origin robotaxi, opting instead to utilize the next-generation Chevrolet Bolt for its self-driving operations. This shift aims to simplify scaling efforts and reduce costs, addressing regulatory uncertainties associated with the unique design of the Origin. The company incurred a $583 million charge in the second quarter related to this decision, including write-offs and restructuring costs. Despite initial projections of producing tens of thousands of Origins, the vehicle is now considered defunct. Cruise's move aligns with GM's plan to start producing the all-electric Chevrolet Bolt in 2025. The decision was influenced by challenges faced by the Origin, such as regulatory compliance issues and operational setbacks. Cruise's co-founder expressed disappointment over the discontinuation of the Origin, highlighting missed opportunities for urban mobility. The autonomous vehicle industry, including Cruise, continues to face financial losses and operational hurdles in commercializing self-driving technology.