Origin: Self-driving car with no steering wheel unveiled by GM, Honda

Automakers General Motors (GM) and Honda have unveiled the Origin, a new self-driving car with no steering wheel, brake nor accelerator pedals.

The self-driving car Origin was developed by GM and Honda for Cruise, the self-driving subsidiary of GM, which Honda has also invested in. The Origin also has no windshield wipers or rear view mirror.

The self-driving vehicle's doors slide rather than swing open and there is no indication where the front or back of the car is located. The new car will not be available for purchase by customers but they will be able to ride in one through a ride-sharing app from Cruise.

Just like other ride-sharing apps such as Uber and Lyft, users enter their destination and a vehicle will drive itself to pick them up. Once the Origin arrives, customers need to enter a code on a keypad outside the vehicle to be able to enter.

Riders will be able to start or end the trip using buttons inside the car.

The self-driving car utilizes sensors, such as weight and seat belt detection, to determine whether someone has entered or exited the vehicle. According to Cruise executives, they removed traditional car features to create more space for passengers.

The Origin's sliding doors are comparatively wider compared to a typical vehicle to allow room for two people to enter or exit at the same time. The car is also designed to be able to drive on both city streets and the highway.

Cruise chief executive officer (CEO) Dan Ammann said: "We know that the bus is better for our environment, but on a Friday in rush hour, saving the planet doesn't seem worth missing dinner or bedtime with the kids."

He argued: "What's right for you is now the same thing as what's right for the world."