January 23, 2020

Auto News

GM-owned automaker unveils first self-driving vehicle

Self-driving carmaker Cruise has unveiled its first autonomous vehicle -- called the Origin -- and said it could be a look at ride-sharing fleets of the future.

The Origin was revealed in San Francisco after a six-month delay for more testing. Cruise is a subsidiary of General Motors.

Cruise said, however, the Origin is not meant for private ownership. It will instead be a part of a prospective ride-sharing fleet, the company said.

Cruise CEO Dan Ammann said drivers who abandon personal vehicles for a Cruise account could save $5,000 each year in related costs. He added the Origin can last for 1 million miles.

"It is self-driven," he said. "It is all electric. It is shared. It is a production vehicle." Honda owns a 5.7 percent stake in Cruise. Venture capital firms have also invested in the company, which was valued at $19 billion a year ago.

California has allowed Cruise vehicles to be tested on public roads only if a "human safety driver" is aboard. Some competitors -- including Waymo, Pony.ai, AutoX and Zoox -- have secured permits for driverless testing.

Car Care Tip

If the brakes fail to work properly, it can be caused by some of the following: the rotors, the brake pads, the brake fluid, and the break pedal. The most common reason would be the brake pads or a leak in the brake fluid.

It's a good idea to check your breaks if you notice any issues out of the ordinary. If you want to check the breaks yourself, you'll need to inspect the brake pads and brake fluid reservoir. This usually requires removing the tires and possibly getting under the car if you suspect a brake fluid leak.

But there is a very easy way to check your brake fluid; check the level and color of the fluid in the reservoir.
If the color is dark then it's time to change it.

If the fluid is low, fill to the proper line; and if the tank is empty you probably have a leak that needs to be fixed and then you'll need to bleed the brake lines and replace the fluid.

Checking the Brake Pads

As you drive, listen for a screeching sound. Most brakes have a warning indicator and they make a noise when they are low as you press on the brake pedal.

If your unsure or worried, it's best to get it checked. Your safety and others on the road is worth the time and effort.

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Thanks for reading,

The Editor

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