Aurora partners with Toyota, Denso to develop self-driving Sienna minivans
Aurora announced a collaboration with Toyota and auto-parts supplier Denso to build and globally deploy self-driving cars at scale.
Engineering teams from Aurora and Toyota will work together to develop and test driverless-capable vehicles equipped with the Aurora Driver, starting with the Toyota Sienna. Aurora expects to begin testing an initial fleet of these Siennas by the end of 2021.
Aurora will lay the groundwork for the mass-production, launch, and support of these vehicles with Toyota on ride-hailing networks, including Uber’s, over the next few years. Aurora will also be exploring mass production of key autonomous driving components with Denso and a comprehensive services solution with Toyota for when these vehicles are deployed at scale, including financing, insurance, maintenance, and more.
“Toyota has an unparalleled legacy, engineering expertise, leadership, and ability to deliver high-quality, affordable, and reliable vehicles. They’re also the preferred vehicle brand for transporting riders on ride-hailing networks, so we’re excited and honored to work with them to unlock driverless mobility services with the Aurora Driver. Our development work on highway driving to support our first commercial product, a driverless truck, will also be critical for safely moving people, as a significant fraction of ride-share bookings today require the ability to drive over 50 mph.” – Chris Urmson, Aurora CEO.
“Toyota is dedicated to creating and realizing mobility for all by focusing on technology that will move people safely and responsibly, a vision Aurora shares with us. By combining our expertise and know-how in vehicle control systems, mass-production, Connected Car technology, and our advanced safety support systems with Aurora’s industry-leading approach to self-driving technology, we aim to commercialize and deliver safe, high-quality, and affordable autonomous ride-sharing vehicles and services.” – Keiji Yamamoto, Operating Officer of Toyota and President of Connected Company.
