GM, Lyft teaming up to build autonomous taxis
General Motors is giving Lyft a lift, announcing a US$500-million investment in the ridesharing company as the two aim to "create an integrated network" of on-demand autonomous taxis south of the border.
The "long-term strategic alliance" between GM and Lyft will see the two sides develop a network of on-demand autonomous vehicles that will provide "a broad choice of ride-sharing services."
"We see the future of personal mobility as connected, seamless and autonomous," GM president Dan Ammann said in a statement. "With GM and Lyft working together, we believe we can successfully implement this vision more rapidly."
The alliance will also see GM becoming a so-called "rental hub" for Lyft drivers, providing short-term use vehicles in cities in the United States, while drivers will also have access to GM's OnStar services.
"Working with GM, Lyft will continue to unlock new transportation experiences that bring positive change to our daily lives," Lyft president and co-founder John Zimmer said. "Together we will build a better future by redefining traditional car ownership."
The partnership between GM and Lyft comes after reports surfaced that Ford and Google are forming a similar autonomous ridesharing program.
