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NHTSA Finalizes Safety Standards For AVs Without Driving Controls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today published revised Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, which account for autonomous vehicles that do not have traditional manual driving controls.

Previous occupant protection standards outlined in the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards include language that references traditional vehicle controls, such as steering wheels, pedals and other manual controls. This revision “updates the standards to clarify what is required of manufacturers when applying the standards to ADS-equipped vehicles without traditional manual controls,” making it clear that “vehicles with ADS technology must continue to provide the same high levels of occupant protection that current passenger vehicles provide,” the NHTSA rule said.

“The occupant protection standards are currently written for traditionally designed vehicles and use terms such as ‘driver’s seat’ and ‘steering wheel’, that are not meaningful to vehicle designs that, for example, lack a steering wheel or other driver controls,” the rule indicates.

Since previous Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards required a car to have manual controls, a driver’s seat and other traditional components, a vehicle like General Motors’ driverless Cruise Origin could not be legally deployed on public roads. The revision accounts for the existence of such vehicles, paving the way for GM to begin offering paid rides in the Origin to the American public.

The Origin is a battery-electric robotaxi developed by GM subsidiary Cruise. The vehicle will enter production at the GM Factory Zero plant in Michigan next year and will be deployed on public roads in the U.S. shortly after. Customers will be able to order and pay for a ride in the Cruise Origin from their smartphone, similar to other ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft.

Cruise recently sought NHTSA’s approval to begin building the Origin robotaxi, as well. Cruise says the vehicle “will help expand mobility options for seniors, people who are blind or have low vision, and other communities that have traditionally faced barriers in access to reliable transportation,” once it’s deployed next year.

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Sam loves to write and has a passion for auto racing, karting and performance driving of all types.

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Comments

  1. I hope GM does not miss out on this perfect opportunity to reestablish Buick as a leader in the market place using AV EVs. No other brand is as well positioned to produce living rooms pods for personal use purchase as Buick. A tesla or bmw would make a terrible AV, because if you cannot drive it, why would handling matter (to bouncy, and to loud, A soft, quiet, reliable and comfortable environment will be king as we move forward to AVs, just like Buick has built its reputation on.

    Reply
    1. It would be nice for the first day or two until people started using it as their toilet, garbage can, graffiti wall, etc.

      Reply
  2. It is a race between Waymo, GM, and Tesla.
    I am so thankful that Marry Bara jumped on Cruise so early. One of the best long term investments and one of the most important ones that GM has made in a very long time. Cruise might become a Cash Cow for GM.
    Just look what the Future can be for GM……
    Cruise making money from consumers instead of Uber and Lyft making the majority.
    Selling said software to others….Tesla will do as well.
    Insane profits from Brighdrop lsat mile delivery selling them both the vehicle and the Autonomous software. I am very bullish on GM’s future and that is because (I am as surprised that I am typing this as anyone) Marry Bara was quick enough to shift to the monumental shift to BEV’s and Autonomy pretty much first from all other Legacy Automakers.

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    1. And gm will be the first to fall in the hole when people reject this technology.

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      1. People are already using this Tech. So I am sure GM will be just fine.
        Do you still use a Rotary Phone?

        Reply
        1. I have no use for a robo taxi. Do you enjoy sitting in other peoples garbage as you would with one of these drones.

          Reply
          1. Well first off they are NOT Drones.
            You personally do not have to use them for GM (Waymo and Tesla) to make insane amounts of money. Keep using Super Clean Taxi Cabs I guess Lol

            Reply

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