GM Outlines New Advanced Mobility Plans

General Motors Co. today announced several new autonomous-driving and advanced mobility programs during its annual meeting with analysts and investors at its Milford, Mich., proving ground. The initiatives include a fleet of self-driving Chevrolet Volt cars, a concept electric bicycle, and new car- and ride-sharing projects.

GM says the autonomous Volts, which will be deployed by late next year for employee use at its Warren, Mich., technical center, will provide data and real-world experience to help accelerate development of the emerging technology. Users will reserve the vehicles via a car-sharing app.

The company also confirms it will launch its "Super Cruise" technology on the 2017 Cadillac CT6 sedan. The system will enable autonomous functionality for the all-new luxury model under certain driving conditions.

GM says the eBike concept represents the company's evolving view for urban mobility in the future. The motorized bicycle was designed in Canada at GM's engineering and development center in Oshawa, Ont.

One of GM's new car-/ride-sharing projects already is underway in New York City, and a second is due to launch in another U.S. city in early 2016. Car sharing allows users to rent vehicles on a trip-by-trip basis. Ride-sharing services such as Uber match passengers with nearby available drivers.

GM says the new programs will allow it to test hardware and software and gain a better understanding of how people use such services The company is conducting similar studies in Europe and China. It also is partnering with Google on another initiative in New York. The company expects these so-called alternative transportation models to eventually become revenue generators and help it forge new customer relationships "both inside and outside the vehicle."

GM also reiterated plans for a commercially viable fuel cell vehicle by about 2020 through its advanced development partnership with Honda Motor Co. In addition, the company says it is pursuing non-automotive fuel cell applications with the aerospace and military industries.