US GM to Unveil Fully Autonomous Electric Vehicle... Cadillac Concept Car Debut

[Asia Economy Reporter Seulgina Cho] General Motors (GM), the largest automobile manufacturer in the United States, is accelerating its transition to the era of autonomous electric vehicles. It also unveiled Cadillac's first 'fully autonomous electric concept car.'

Mary Barra, GM Chairperson and CEO, announced plans to expand autonomous electric vehicles during her keynote speech at 'CES 2022' held online on the 5th (local time). GM had previously introduced 'Super Cruise,' which enables autonomous driving on highways in some models, and now plans to expand the application of 'Ultra Cruise,' a technology that allows autonomous driving in urban areas. It is scheduled to be introduced in Cadillac's flagship sedan, the 'Celestiq,' next year.

The Cadillac autonomous electric concept car 'InnerSpace,' first introduced by CEO Barra on this day, is a two-seater sedan. It features personalized autonomous driving options and the latest connected technologies, as well as a design where the front windshield and roof are connected with glass, providing a vast field of view. It is also an expanded version of the Halo concept portfolio introduced at last year's CES.

CEO Barra confirmed that autonomous electric vehicles could be sold to consumers as early as the mid-2020s. This timeline is earlier than the late 2020s she announced in May last year. She said, "GM's Ultium platform means we no longer have to imagine a zero carbon emission future; we are building it."

Meanwhile, GM plans to launch the Chevrolet pickup truck 'Silverado' electric vehicle in the second quarter of next year. Electric versions of the 'Equinox' and 'Blazer' will also be introduced in the future. The company aims to convert all trucks and large pickup trucks to electric vehicles by 2035.