Highly Automated and Connected Vehicles Update | Quick Hits
Local Motors Unveils Olli Fleet Challenge
Local Motors has invited municipalities, campuses and designated districts to propose short-term uses for Olli in Washington and Oregon as part of a global initiative, the Olli Fleet Challenge. Entry for the competition closes on August 26, 2019.
Waymo to Pick Up Passengers in Autonomous Cars in California
The California Public Utilities Commission has given Waymo a permit that grants its employees and their friends and family permission to ride in the fully autonomous Chrysler Pacifica within specific neighborhoods. The autonomous Jaguar I-PACE is expected to receive similar permits shortly.
Mercedes and BMW Team Up on Autonomous Driving Technology
BMW and Mercedes have committed 1,200 autonomous technicians and are sharing a data storage center dedicated to the technology in an attempt to rapidly build driver-assist programs. This collaboration led to BMW’s announcement that it will release a Level 3 autonomous car in 2021 and Mercedes will plan to begin producing a Level 4 vehicle by 2024.
Walmart to Test Self-Driving Delivery Trucks
Walmart has announced it will test robot trucks to transport goods between its warehouses. The company has reported that it will start testing the self-driving trucks along a two-mile route in Bentonville, Arkansas.
