Walmart is to invest in Cruise, the GM majority-owned autonomous vehicle technology company. It’s another example of a retailer looking to increase its presence in future mobility/delivery logistics.

Walmart’s US chief executive officer, John Furner, said in a blog post his company has been ‘doing a lot to learn more about the role autonomous vehicles can play in retail, and we’ve seen enough to know it’s no longer a question of if they’ll be scaled, but when’.

He also said the investment (sum not disclosed) ‘will aid our work toward developing a last mile delivery ecosystem that’s fast, low-cost and scalable’.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Walmart began working with Cruise in November of last year developing a delivery pilot in Scottsdale, Arizona.

“We’ve been impressed with Cruise’s differentiated business model, unique technology and unmatched driverless testing. We also value our shared commitment to a zero emissions future,” Furner said in the post.

Walmart is targeting zero emissions by 2040 and has set a goal to be powered by 100% renewable energy by 2035, but also “throughout the supply chain and our environmental initiative, Project Gigaton, one of the largest private sector consortiums for climate action,” Furner said.

“We’re excited to join Cruise’s already impressive partner and investor ecosystem with the likes of GM, Honda and Microsoft as we work toward pioneering this emerging technology,” he added.