DRIVERLESS: Tech firms Motional and Uber partner up with 10-year fully autonomous rides plan
Updated: Oct 12, 2022
Global tech firms Motional and Uber have today announced a commercial agreement to offer fully driverless rides using Motional's new all-electric IONIQ 5-based robotaxis.
The 10-year, multimarket agreement will aim to create the opportunity for effective scaling and broad adoption of AVs by pairing Motional's advanced driverless technology with Uber's network of millions of customers. The companies will strategically deploy the service in cities across the U.S., with the first trips expected to start later this year. Motional and Uber have a shared vision for AVs to offer an affordable, convenient, and safe transportation option for everyday travel.
Karl Iagnemma, President and CEO of Motional, said: "This agreement will be instrumental to the wide scale adoption of robotaxis.
"Motional now has unparalleled access to millions of riders and a roadmap to scale significantly over the next ten years. We're proud to partner with Uber to bring both driverless ride-hail and deliveries to life in cities throughout the U.S."
As part of the commercial partnership, Uber will share targeted insights to efficiently allocate and position Motional's vehicles. AVs present a unique opportunity to leverage those insights to optimise operations, including reducing vehicle downtime and unnecessary miles traveled, which enables the companies to maximize time spent in revenue-generating service. Smarter operation also translates into a better experience for Uber customers, ultimately leading to reduced wait times and lower fares.
Noah Zych, Global Head of Autonomous Mobility and Delivery at Uber, said: "We're excited to leverage the power of Uber's platform to bring Motional's advanced autonomous technology to a wide range of riders at the push of a button.
"The scope of this partnership shows the important role that shared autonomous vehicles will play in the future of transportation, and in Uber's strategy to be the global platform to help you go anywhere and get anything."
