GM and Ford have asked US regulators for permission to release a small number of vehicles with a few missing features, namely the gas pedal, brake, and steering wheel. The companies want to release 2,500 vehicles yearly for ride-sharing and delivery services using only their branded self-driving technology.
The NHTSA admin Steve Cliff said the agency will carefully examine each petition to ensure safety is prioritized. The agency will also consider access for people with disabilities, equity, and the environment in their approval process.