SAN FRANCISCO - Kyle Vogt, the CEO and co-founder of Cruise, has stepped down from his leadership role at the autonomous vehicle company. The move comes as the firm faces a nationwide pause in its autonomous vehicle operations to address public trust issues following a series of traffic incidents.
Vogt's resignation, which took place on Sunday, follows a tumultuous period for Cruise. Notably, the company faced multiple setbacks including a collision with an emergency vehicle shortly after obtaining a full operational license in San Francisco, obstructing an ambulance during an emergency, and last month's hit-and-run where a Cruise robotaxi was involved in dragging a victim after another car struck them. These incidents led to a suspension of their driverless testing permits by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
In October, an accident involving a pedestrian and a Cruise robotaxi resulted in further scrutiny. While testing with safety drivers continued, the incidents prompted a software update recall and layoffs among contract employees who service the autonomous fleet. The recall impacted approximately 950 robotaxis due to software defects that could affect safety.
Despite these challenges, Vogt leaves behind a legacy of innovation and growth at Cruise, having overseen the delivery of over 250,000 driverless rides across various cities, including Phoenix and Houston. On Monday, he expressed his pride in Cruise's resilient team and their commitment to developing future products. Looking ahead, Vogt plans to spend time with his family and explore new ideas beyond his tenure at Cruise.
General Motors (NYSE:GM)' subsidiary Cruise has been at the forefront of developing autonomous vehicles and has operated its ride-hailing service in multiple urban centers. The company's progress in advancing driverless technology underscores the potential for this emerging industry, even as it navigates regulatory scrutiny and public safety concerns.
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