General Motors (GM) is stepping back from its ambitious robotaxi initiative, Cruise, after pouring $10 billion into it. This decision comes as the company grapples with the numerous challenges of commercializing self-driving technology, including unexpected technical issues and the hefty costs associated with managing a large fleet of robotaxis. Initially seen as a safeguard against a potential decline in personal car ownership, GM has now determined that merging Cruise's tech with its existing car business offers a more viable path forward and is better aligned with its goal of delivering value to shareholders. This shift also underscores the competitive edge held by tech giants like Alphabet, the parent company of Waymo, which have the necessary AI and cloud infrastructure to advance autonomous vehicle development.
