GM to build next generation self-driving cars in its factory in Michigan.
In a strategic development that signals General Motor’s potential launch of new self-driving vehicles, the company’s CEO, Mary Barra has disclosed that the automaker will be expanding the testing of its self-driving vehicles to Michigan.
It will also build its new next-gen self-driving cars in the same Michigan plant that builds the Chevrolet Bolt electric car.
Barra declined to be drawn in a conversation regarding comments made by a Chinese government official that a U.S. auto manufacturer could be subject to penalties for price fixing.
“I don’t think anyone benefits from speculating on that,” said Barra.
China is General Motor’s largest single market. Sales of its vehicles in that country accounted for 37.6% of its global vehicle sales during the first 9 months of 2016. In comparison, during the same period sales of its vehicles in the United States was 31%.
China has yet to name the U.S. automaker whom it has accused of price fixing charges.
Following the statement from China, investors sold shares of Ford Motor Co and GM. Analysts and foreign policy experts see these accusations by China as a message to Donald Trump, to not upset the balance of U.S-China relations and maintain the status quo between the two countries.
During a press conference at the company’s headquarters, Barra showed off the company’s latest rollout – the electric Chevrolet Bolt, which is equipped with roof top sensors that are designed to enable autonomous driving.
Executives from GM have said, in future the automaker will deploy fleets of self-driving cars for its ride service partner – Lyft. However, Barra did not mention Lyft in her remarks.
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