Tesla Hires Former Cruise Executive to Lead AI Efforts

Tesla has appointed former Cruise executive Henry Kuang as the company's AI director, according to a report by Electrek. This move comes as Tesla looks to expand its robotaxi operations in the United States and further develop AI-driven self-driving technology.

Kuang was the head of autonomy at General Motors' self-driving unit, Cruise, until last year. His expertise in autonomy and self-driving technology is expected to play a crucial role in advancing Tesla's ambitious goals.

The appointment of Kuang comes at a time when Tesla has experienced a series of high-profile departures. Recently, two senior executives, Omead Afshar and Jenna Ferrua, resigned from the company. Tesla did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment, and Kuang could not be reached.

While the specifics of Kuang's role at Tesla are not yet clear, it is known that Ashok Elluswamy, one of the first engineers hired for Tesla's Autopilot team in 2014, has been leading the company's self-driving initiatives. Kuang's addition to the team is likely to bring a fresh perspective and enhance Tesla's capabilities in this domain.

Tesla is currently undergoing a significant company-wide restructuring. The electric vehicle maker has laid off thousands of employees and is shifting its strategic focus towards AI-driven self-driving technology and robotics. The company recently rolled out a small batch of its Model Y robotaxis in Austin, Texas, ferrying paying passengers in a limited area of the city. CEO Elon Musk has pledged to expand these operations into several U.S. cities by next year.

Musk announced last month that Tesla aims to deliver its first car autonomously from factory to customer in June. General Motors, on the other hand, has completed the full acquisition of its Cruise business to focus on developing autonomous technology for personal vehicles, rather than robotaxis.

The integration of AI and robotics into Tesla's operations is part of a broader trend in the automotive industry. As companies continue to invest in autonomous driving technology, the competition is intensifying. Tesla's strategic moves, including the hiring of key talent like Henry Kuang, highlight its commitment to staying at the forefront of this technological revolution.