While the “whip antenna” on two General Motors truck lines gets attention for the one and only reason the automotive company kept it there for its newest models, GM is also attracting eyeballs for something that could eventually impact in-car audio consumption.
Self-driving vehicles are coming.
According to CNBC, GM CEO Mary Barra “expects the automaker to offer self-driving vehicles to consumers later this decade.”
This is a big shift, as discussions regarding autonomous vehicles for professional services and for Uber and Lyft have been the focal point.
And, CNBC notes, “manufacturing them for retail customers hasn’t been a priority for automakers because the technology needed for the systems is prohibitively expensive.”
This will change in under 10 years, Barra noted during GM’s quarterly earnings call held Wednesday. “Later in the decade, I believe, and there’s a lot to still unfold, but I believe we’ll have personal autonomous vehicles,” she said when speaking about self-driving cars.
However, whether anyone can purchase them remains hazy, with a lease option perhaps the starting point for personal use of such a vehicle. GM didn’t offer CNBC any further comment when asked to elaborate on Barra’s remarks.
GM showcased a personal autonomous vehicle concept car for its Cadillac brand in January, CNBC notes.
