GM Rapidly Revamps Self-Driving Team with Tesla Exec Hire
BREAKING: GM has just announced a major shake-up in its self-driving vehicle strategy by hiring former Tesla and Cruise executive Ronalee Mann. This urgent move comes as GM aims to revitalize its autonomous vehicle program following the shutdown of its robotaxi startup, Cruise, just last December.
Mann will report directly to Sterling Anderson, GM’s Chief Product Officer, and will focus on “removing unnecessary friction” from GM’s operations, according to an internal message obtained by Business Insider. This hiring marks a significant shift as GM seeks to streamline its processes and enhance its self-driving vehicle technology.
In addition to Mann, GM has also brought on Rashed Haq, another former Cruise leader, as the company’s new VP of autonomy. Anderson praised Haq’s previous work at Cruise and emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong focus on safe execution in their autonomous initiatives.
This strategic hiring follows GM’s substantial investment of over $10 billion into Cruise since 2016, which ultimately faced challenges, including a serious incident involving one of its robotaxis that injured a pedestrian. The startup was granted permission to operate a robotaxi service in San Francisco but faced regulatory hurdles that led to its closure.
Anderson, who joined GM in May and previously worked as Tesla’s Autopilot chief, has been actively restructuring GM’s software divisions. He aims to recruit former Cruise employees to develop a new autonomous vehicle platform for personal use, a vital step for GM as it competes in the rapidly evolving automotive landscape.
GM’s software division has experienced notable turnover recently, with several high-ranking executives leaving since October. The urgency surrounding this restructuring highlights the automaker’s commitment to re-establishing itself as a leader in the self-driving sector.
As the automotive industry continues to pivot towards automation, all eyes will be on GM’s next steps. With experienced leaders like Mann and Haq now onboard, the company is poised to accelerate its self-driving vehicle initiatives.
Stay tuned for more updates as GM strives to redefine its approach to autonomous technology and regain its foothold in the competitive market.
