GM announced a $500 million investment in car-sharing company Lyft to create an integrated network of on-demand autonomous vehicles in the U.S.
The investment wins GM a seat on Lyft’s board of directors.
In a press release, GM describes the key elements of the new alliance:
- Autonomous On-Demand Network: The joint development of a network of on-demand autonomous vehicles will leverage GM’s deep knowledge of autonomous technology and Lyft’s capabilities in providing a broad choice of ride-sharing services.
- Rental Hub: Beginning immediately, GM will become a preferred provider of short-term use vehicles to Lyft drivers through rental hubs in various cities in the U.S.
- Connectivity: Lyft drivers and customers will have access to GM’s wide portfolio of cars and OnStar services, leveraging two decades of experience in connectivity. This will create a richer ride-sharing experience for both driver and passenger.
- Joint Mobility Offerings: GM and Lyft will also provide each other’s customers with personalized mobility services and experiences through their respective channels
GM President Dan Ammann commented on the announcement:
“We see the future of personal mobility as connected, seamless and autonomous. With GM and Lyft working together, we believe we can successfully implement this vision more rapidly.”
Earlier this year, GM announced an autonomous technology push with a fleet of autonomous Volts that will be made available in late 2016 for GM employees to reserve through a new car-sharing app and drive around the company’s Warren Technical Center campus in Michigan.
The company is also introducing a Tesla Autopilot-like semi autonomous system called “Super Cruise”. The system will first be implemented in the 2017 Cadillac CT6 later this year.
President and co-founder of Lyft John Zimmer also commented on the new alliance:
“Working with GM, Lyft will continue to unlock new transportation experiences that bring positive change to our daily lives. Together we will build a better future by redefining traditional car ownership.”
Today’s announcement highlights a clear trend in the industry with BMW developing its own car-sharing system “Drive Now”, Tesla rumored to either partner with Uber or develop its own platform, and Ford is also making a car-sharing push.
Featured image: General Motors President Dan Ammann (center) with Lyft Inc. co-founders John Zimmer (right) and Logan Green (left)
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When you’re finding it tough to make cars that people don’t want to own, try making ones they don’t want to drive.
I wouldn’t trust GM with anything, they destroyed Los Angeles’ public transportation in the 70’s
The self driving car is a sick cruel joke, it will never come out