GM and Ford want to put autonomous vehicles without a steering wheel on the road. Both car groups are therefore currently seeking an exemption for a limited number of self-driving cars. In addition to the steering wheel, the brake pedal is also to be removed.
Two American car companies, General Motors (GM) and Ford, want to put autonomous vehicles without a steering wheel on the road. They applied to the US Auto Safety Agency for special permission to use self-driving vehicles.
Just like a news agency Reuters reported that in addition to the steering wheel, other equipment elements such as the brake pedal are to be omitted.
These are GM and Ford proposals for vehicles without a steering wheel
The GM and Ford proposals lie with National National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and are also open to the public.
GM wants to drive without a steering wheel and mirrors
General Motors wants to be loud petition use his boxy “Cruise Origin”. The vehicle resembles a subway car and is driven without a steering wheel.
More specifically, the company is asking NHTSA to make six exceptions to how the car is equipped. In addition to the steering wheel, the mirrors, blinkers and wipers must also be omitted. They are only necessary for humans, but have no use for an autonomous vehicle.
According to GM, to ensure safety in self-driving cars, all passengers would have to buckle up before autonomous driving begins.
Ford considers human drivers too dangerous
Ford again requests a total of seven exemptions with respect to legal vehicle safety standards. This includes, for example, the brake, rear lights and mirrors.
The automotive concern apparently wants to use self-driving hybrid electric vehicles. According to the petition, Ford’s autonomous vehicles will be used to develop the company’s SAE Level 4 automation technology. This means that the vehicle can drive without a human driver in certain situations. However, human control is still possible and will not be completely eliminated.
But the company explains in its petition that the exceptions are for security reasons. According to the automaker, vehicles are safer if humans cannot interfere with the autonomous technology.
Steering-less vehicles from GM and Ford are meant to prevent traffic jams
Both automakers want to put 2,500 autonomous vehicles on the road every year. Cars without a steering wheel should then be used for carpooling and delivery services.
At the same time emphasize Both GM and Ford say they have no plans to sell self-driving cars directly to consumers. As an argument for endorsing driverless vehicles, both companies also argue that the further development of automated vehicles is in the public interest for many different reasons, such as reducing traffic congestion and improving individual mobility.
The US government can bend the law when there is a good reason to do so
NHTSA has the authority to grant petitions like GM’s and Ford’s to allow a limited number of vehicles to operate without human supervision. Applicants must provide valid reasons for the requested exemptions.
NHTSA Administrator Steven Cliff said the agency will “carefully review each petition to ensure safety is a priority and to include considerations of disability access, equity and environmental protection.”
Both automakers’ petitions are online for a total of 30 days to give the public a chance to comment on the requests.
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