GM targets eyes-off autonomous driving for pickups and SUVs
GM•General Motors plans to expand its eyes-off autonomous driving service beyond the Cadillac Escalade IQ to pickups and other large SUVs, without giving a timeframe. It is also developing an in-house software platform for future vehicles and expects to introduce an AI assistant on the Cadillac Lyriq in the coming months.
1. Expanding autonomous driving
General Motors said it plans to bring its eyes-off autonomous driving service to pickup trucks and other large SUVs, extending a plan announced last year for the Cadillac Escalade IQ in 2028. The company did not specify when the expansion will happen. GM chief product officer Sterling Anderson said the system is being developed for highway use, with eventual expansion to other roads.
2. Developing vehicle software
GM is building an in-house software backbone for future vehicles, including a central computer that can receive remote updates and support automated driving and other digital features. Anderson said the company wants more control over vehicle updates and functionality. GM also said it will introduce an AI assistant on the Cadillac Lyriq in the coming months.
3. Digital revenue opportunity
Software-related services can have profit margins of 30% to 40%, compared with automakers’ average vehicle-selling margins of about 10%, according to PwC analysis cited in the article. UBS estimated GM’s digital revenue will rise to $9.6 billion by 2036 from $3.2 billion this year.
