GM and Ford apply to deploy steering wheel-less self-driving cars, up to 2,500 per year

According to foreign media reports, General Motors (General Motors) and Ford Motor (Ford Motor) have applied to U.S. auto safety regulators for a waiver to allow the deployment of a certain number of self-driving cars without human controls such as steering wheels and brake pedals.

Both automakers reportedly want to deploy as many as 2,500 cars a year for carpooling and delivery services, which is the maximum number allowed by law. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released the companies' respective applications on Wednesday and left 30 days for public comment.

In February, GM and its self-driving technology unit Cruise disclosed that they had applied to the NHTSA for approval to deploy self-driving cars without steering wheels, mirrors, turn signals or windshield wipers, while Ford submitted its application as early as last year and has only now been made public by the NHTSA.

GM said Wednesday that it will continue to work with NHTSA as their evaluation continues and remains eager for a fully automated Cruise Origin to hit the road in the next few years. And Ford wants to deploy self-driving hybrid vehicles "specifically designed and tailored to support mobility services such as ride-sharing, ride hailing and package delivery."

In response, NHTSA Director Steven Cliff said the agency will carefully review each petition, prioritizing safety issues, including accessibility for people with disabilities and environmental safety.

It was reported that GM actually petitioned NHTSA back in 2018 to deploy a Chevrolet Bolt car without a steering wheel or brake pedal in the U.S., but in late 2020, GM withdrew the petition.