Schaeffler and VDL Groep have announced a collaboration to develop and manufacture a new generation of autonomous electric shuttles tailored for public transportation. The prototype and key technological components will be unveiled at Munich’s IAA Mobility 2023 event, with both companies hosting their booths (Schaeffler at hall B3, booth B40; VDL Groep at hall B3, booth B21).
Why It Matters
This collaboration marks a significant step in shaping the future of urban mobility. As cities worldwide grapple with increasing traffic and the absence of drivers, autonomous shuttle services offer a more sustainable and efficient transport option. Schaeffler and VDL Groep aim to be at the forefront of this change by bringing their respective areas of expertise together, including systems engineering, development, production, and public transport.
Key Points
- The autonomous shuttles will be equipped with Mobileye’s driving systems, achieving SAE level 4 autonomy.
- Both companies are in advanced talks with public transport authorities to initiate pilot projects.
- Street testing of these autonomous shuttles is likely to commence in 2025, initially in Germany, the first European country to approve SAE level 4 for public roads.
- The target is to produce thousands of these shuttles annually by 2030, with manufacturing planned at VDL’s Mobility Innovation Centre in Born, Netherlands.
Bottom Line
The partnership between Schaeffler and VDL Groep promises to accelerate the availability of autonomous shuttle services, especially in congested metropolitan areas. These autonomous shuttles are a technological marvel and an important solution for making public transportation more sustainable and accessible. By joining forces with Mobileye, the collaboration aims to provide a safe, efficient, and commercially scalable transport solution for the future.
Klaus Rosenfeld, CEO of Schaeffler AG, and Willem van der Leegte, President and CEO of VDL Groep, expressed their enthusiasm and optimism about the prospective impact of this collaborative venture on the public transport landscape.
The companies will provide more details and showcase their innovative technologies at the upcoming IAA Mobility 2023 event. Interested parties can visit Schaeffler and VDL Groep’s booths for firsthand information and demonstrations.