A coalition of industry groups, including the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, has called on the U.S. Transportation Department to provide robust support for the development of autonomous vehicles (AVs). In a letter addressed to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, the groups emphasized the critical juncture at which the AV industry currently finds itself, asserting that strong leadership from the department is essential.
The letter highlighted the importance of the U.S. maintaining its competitive edge in the AV sector, especially in the face of aggressive investments and technological advancements by countries like China. The groups stressed that autonomous vehicles have the potential to significantly enhance road safety by eliminating human errors such as fatigued, impaired, and distracted driving, potentially saving thousands of lives annually.
The plea for support comes at a time when the AV industry is grappling with challenges, exemplified by California’s suspension of General Motors’ Cruise robotaxi testing permit in October. Concerns over public safety following a series of accidents involving Cruise vehicles prompted the regulatory action. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is currently investigating Cruise’s safety precautions, and broader legislative efforts to expedite the deployment of robotaxis have faced stagnation in Congress for over five years.
The setback faced by Cruise, a key player in the autonomous vehicle space, underscores the industry’s dependence on public trust and regulatory cooperation. GM CEO Mary Barra has acknowledged the need for Cruise to rebuild relationships with regulators in light of recent developments. Meanwhile, over two dozen unions have urged Secretary Buttigieg to take additional measures to ensure the safety of autonomous vehicles, advocating for a comprehensive industry-wide investigation by the NHTSA.
As the AV industry navigates challenges and strives for advancement, the call for support from the Transportation Department underscores the urgency and significance of fostering a conducive environment for the development and deployment of autonomous vehicles in the United States.
