GM kills Cruise robotaxi project [Video]

• GM has cut funding to Cruise and will merge the self-driving technology startup with its own technical teams
• GM will continue developing self-driving technology for use in privately owned vehicles
• GM has invested more than $10 billion in Cruise since acquiring the startup in 2016

General Motors will end development of a robotaxi service through its majority-owned Cruise self-driving technology startup, the automaker announced on Tuesday.

Under its new strategy, GM will merge Cruise with its own technical teams to develop self-driving technology for privately owned vehicles, such as the current Super Cruise automated driver-assist system for highways.

GM stated that the time and resources required by Cruise to realize a robotaxi service in an increasingly competitive environment would place too great a strain on its finances.

“GM is committed to delivering the best driving experiences to our customers in a disciplined and capital-efficient manner,” Mary Barra, GM’s chair and CEO, said in a statement.

GM owns approximately 90% of Cruise, which isn’t publicly traded. According …