Is Cruise Owned by GM?

By Michael Ferguson

If you’re a car enthusiast, you may have heard the rumor that Cruise, the self-driving car company, is owned by General Motors (GM). But is there any truth to this statement?

The Short Answer: Yes, Cruise is owned by GM.

What Is Cruise?

Before we dive into the details of GM’s ownership of Cruise, let’s first understand what Cruise is all about. Cruise is a San Francisco-based company that develops self-driving technology for automobiles. Their mission is to create a world with safer and more accessible transportation.

GM’s Acquisition of Cruise

In 2016, GM acquired Cruise for a reported $1 billion. At the time of the acquisition, Cruise was still a relatively small startup with just 40 employees. However, it was clear that GM saw potential in the self-driving technology that Cruise was developing.

Since then, Cruise has grown significantly and now employs over 1,500 people. They have also secured investments from major companies like Honda and SoftBank.

What Does GM’s Ownership of Cruise Mean?

GM’s ownership of Cruise means that they have an invested interest in the development and success of self-driving technology. By acquiring Cruise, GM was able to quickly gain expertise in this area without having to develop everything in-house.

Furthermore, owning a self-driving car company allows GM to stay competitive in an industry that is rapidly evolving. As more companies begin to develop self-driving technology, owning one of these companies gives GM an advantage.

The Future of Self-Driving Cars

Self-driving cars are no longer just a concept – they are becoming increasingly common on our roads. While we may not see fully autonomous vehicles on our streets for some time yet, it’s clear that this technology will play a significant role in the future of transportation.

As for GM and Cruise, it’s likely that we’ll continue to see growth and advancements in their self-driving technology. With GM’s resources and Cruise’s expertise, they are well-positioned to be a major player in the self-driving car industry for years to come.

Conclusion

In summary, Cruise is indeed owned by GM. Through this acquisition, GM has gained expertise in self-driving technology and is well-positioned to stay competitive in the rapidly evolving automotive industry. As we move towards a future with more autonomous vehicles on our roads, it will be interesting to see how companies like GM and Cruise continue to innovate and shape this new era of transportation.