Former Cruise CEO, Kyle Vogt, announced his resignation on Sunday night amidst a tumultuous period for the autonomous vehicle company. This unexpected decision comes after the company lost permits to operate in California and was forced to withdraw its fleet of driverless vehicles nationwide.
In response to Vogt’s departure, Cruise has accepted his resignation and appointed Mohamed “Mo” Elshenawy, the current executive vice president of engineering, as the new president and chief technology officer. This leadership change puts Cruise in a new phase as it navigates through these challenging times.
The past few months have not been easy for Cruise, which is owned by General Motors. In a widely publicized incident, a pedestrian was hit by a conventional car, only to be further injured when a Cruise autonomous vehicle struck and dragged her approximately 20 feet at a speed of 7 miles per hour. The California Department of Motor Vehicles conducted an investigation, which revealed that Cruise posed a significant risk to public safety.
Vogt confirmed his resignation in a statement posted on the X social media platform (formerly known as Twitter), expressing his gratitude to everyone who has supported Cruise. He highlighted the company’s accomplishments, noting that over 250,000 driverless trips have been completed in various cities, providing people with a glimpse of the future. Vogt’s departure represents a turning point for Cruise as the company continues to move forward with its ambitious plans.
Furthermore, Cruise has recently issued a voluntary recall of 950 vehicles nationwide following the San Francisco accident. This incident has led the company to anticipate potential layoffs in the near future. Despite these challenges, Cruise remains optimistic about its future and the role it will play in the autonomous vehicle industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to Kyle Vogt’s resignation as CEO of Cruise?
Kyle Vogt’s resignation as CEO of Cruise came after the company lost permits to operate in California and withdrew its entire fleet of driverless vehicles.
Who will replace Kyle Vogt as the new leader of Cruise?
Mohamed “Mo” Elshenawy, the current executive vice president of engineering at Cruise, has been appointed as the new president and chief technology officer.
What public safety risks did the California Department of Motor Vehicles attribute to Cruise?
The California Department of Motor Vehicles conducted an investigation and determined that Cruise posed an “unreasonable risk” to public safety.
What accomplishments did Kyle Vogt highlight in his resignation statement?
In announcing his resignation, Kyle Vogt highlighted that Cruise has completed over 250,000 driverless trips in various cities, providing people with a glimpse of the future. He expressed confidence in the company’s promising future.