Cruise, the autonomous vehicle venture owned by General Motors, has announced the resignation of CEO and co-founder Kyle Vogt. Vogt’s departure comes after a series of missteps by the company, including a voluntary recall of 950 robotaxis and the suspension of vehicle operations on public roads. The California Department of Motor Vehicles also suspended Cruise’s deployment and testing permits following an incident where a pedestrian was struck by a self-driving car. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is currently investigating Cruise’s automated driving systems to determine if appropriate caution was exercised around pedestrians.
Mo Elshenawy, formerly the executive vice president of engineering at Cruise, will assume the role of president and CTO for the company. In a social media post, Vogt expressed his intention to spend time with his family and explore new ideas. He also voiced confidence in Cruise’s future, calling the team brilliant, driven, and resilient. Elshenawy’s appointment underscores the company’s commitment to addressing the challenges it faces and moving forward.
Cruise, acquired by GM in 2016, had high hopes of ramping up a driverless transportation network and doubling the company’s revenue by 2030. However, the recent events and financial losses have posed significant setbacks. GM CEO and Chair Mary Barra, who also serves as chair of the Cruise board of directors, remains optimistic about the future but recognizes the need for changes in leadership.
Experts in the transportation industry believe that more executive departures may be necessary for Cruise to rebuild trust with staff, regulators, and the public. The resignation of Vogt, who was reappointed as CEO in 2021, comes after an unexpected departure by former GM executive Dan Ammann. Ammann, credited with the acquisition of Cruise in 2016, was succeeded by Vogt in 2019.
Cruise’s focus now turns to restoring confidence in its technology and business operations. The company’s new leadership, led by Mo Elshenawy, will play a critical role in steering Cruise towards its vision of developing cutting-edge autonomous vehicles and pioneering the future of transportation.
출처 : CNBC
자주하는 질문
1. What are some of the challenges Cruise has faced?
Cruise has faced several challenges, including a voluntary recall of its robotaxis, the suspension of vehicle operations on public roads, and an investigation into its automated driving systems by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
2. Who will assume the role of president and CTO for Cruise?
Mo Elshenawy, formerly the executive vice president of engineering at Cruise, will assume the role of president and CTO for the company.
3. Will there be more executive departures from Cruise?
It is possible that more executive departures may occur as Cruise works towards rebuilding trust with staff, regulators, and the public.
4. What is Cruise’s vision for the future?
Cruise aims to develop cutting-edge autonomous vehicles and play a significant role in the future of transportation.
5. How has Cruise’s financial performance been?
According to GM’s most recent quarterly update, Cruise has incurred significant financial losses, including $1.9 billion between January and September 2023.