Autonomous driving startup Aurora recently announced that it has entered into a partnership with Toyota and Denso, a major Japanese auto parts manufacturer, to build and deploy self-driving taxis as part of Toyota’s new ride-hailing venture.
The company’s driverless technology, Aurora Driver, will be comprehensively tested with Toyota vehicles, starting with the Toyota Sienna. By the end of 2021, Aurora expects to have designed, built, and begun testing an initial Sienna fleet.
“Toyota has an unparalleled legacy, engineering expertise, leadership, and ability to deliver high-quality, affordable, and reliable vehicles,” Aurora CEO Chris Urmson said. “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.”
Urmson also noted the company’s continued development of its first commercial product, a driverless truck, will help Aurora test autonomous driving speeds above 50 mph to maintain competitiveness in the ride-sharing market as well as create a safe experience for all passengers.
According to a company release, Aurora also noted that a partnership with Toyota and Denso will help lay the groundwork for the mass-production, launch, and support of driverless vehicles on ride-hailing networks, including Uber, whose self-driving technology division was purchased by Aurora in December 2020. Uber invested $400 million in Aurora in addition to the transaction.
“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,” said Keiji Yamamoto, operating officer of Toyota and president of Connected Company. “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.”
Aurora has offices in Pittsburgh, Pa., Bay Area, Calif., Bozeman, Mont., and Dallas, Texas. The Aurora Test Site Network consists of locations including the Pittsburgh International Race Complex in Wampum, Pa., and the Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas.