The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) today congratulates the lead companies and their partners that were selected by the state of Michigan to provide unique and innovative transportation options during the 2020 June show.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced five highly automated vehicle providers have been selected through the NAIAS 2020 Michigan Mobility Challenge to provide first-of-its-kind technology demonstrations while providing unique in-vehicle experiences throughout downtown Detroit during the 2020 North American International Auto Show.
“These companies and the innovative options they will offer during 2020 NAIAS illustrate exactly the kind of mobility experiences and innovative technology that we envisioned being a part of our show when we moved the event to June,” said NAIAS Executive Director Rod Alberts. “We want to thank the state of Michigan for spearheading this program and for the ongoing support of NAIAS. We congratulate and welcome the companies and partners that were selected.”
Governor Whitmer launched the program in May – along with the Michigan Department of Transportation and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation/PlanetM – calling upon industry innovators to propose dynamic technology deployments that embody how automated and connected vehicle technology can transform how we live, work and play. It builds on the $8 Million Michigan Mobility Challenge launched to address core mobility gaps for senior citizens, persons with disabilities and veterans across the state.
“We are committed to our role as a global leader in transforming mobility technology and the automotive landscape while improving the lives and safety of Michigan residents and visitors, through unique and impactful partnerships,” Whitmer said. “The providers selected through this Mobility Challenge will be putting the future of automotive technology on display in the heart of the Motor City for visitors and residents alike.”
The five downtown Detroit circulator experiences will run during preview week and public days of 2020 NAIAS. In-vehicle experiences will be available to the public through a Michigan Mobility Challenge app being developed by Israeli-based app provider Moovit. This Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) app will provide an integrated, seamless user experience across all of the Mobility Challenge demonstrations.
The five downtown Detroit providers selected are as follows:
Continental – Teaming with Easy Mile, Nexteer Automotive, 3M, CNX Motion and Oakland University, Continental will provide a fixed-route shuttle, utilizing three, automated 15-passenger vehicles. There will also be capacity for a “shuttle train,” carrying groups of up to 45 people at one time. Continental will also be piloting technology relating to interior sensors, Intelligent Intersections and smart signage.
NAVYA – Teaming with Wayne State University, NAVYA will offer a fixed route shuttle with 15-passenger capacity piloting technology to improve accessibility options, including an automated ramp and restraints for paratransit riders, shuttle suspension kneels at curb and interior machine vision research.
Yandex – Teaming with Hyundai Mobis and Lawrence Tech, Yandex will deploy 10 Hyundai Sonata 4-passenger vehicles as a fleet of automated robo-taxis operating with fixed stops. This will be the largest demonstration of the Yandex robo-taxi fleet to date in the United States.
Local Motors – Teaming with Robotic Research and University Partner TBD, Local Motors will deploy two fully automated Olli shuttles along a fixed route. Each shuttle, largely built of parts made on 3D printers, holds 8 passengers and will feature IBM Watson IoT.
AutoGuardian by Smart Cone – Teaming with Aurrigo, Salander, RDM Group and University Partner TBD, Smart Cone will run two automated 10-passenger shuttles along a fixed route with six stops. These are electric shuttles with adaptive autonomy, meaning they can drive on roads today as an electric bus and “switch on” its autonomous features as regulations and policy changes allow for greater use of automated vehicles on roadways. AutoGuardian “smart bollards” will also help users identify where the shuttles are in operation to know timing for arrivals at stops.
An additional route serving as a shuttle between Detroit Metropolitan Airport and downtown Detroit will also be announced at a future date.
“We continue to be amazed at the entrepreneurial spirit and creative genius of our private-sector mobility partners,” said MDOT Director Paul C. Ajegba. “The people behind these projects accepted Gov. Whitmer’s challenge and exceeded expectations. More than ever, this year’s North American International Auto Show will demonstrate the benefits of Michigan leaders emphasizing collaboration among private industry, government and academia.”
With the Mobility Challenge, Michigan is signaling its commitment to engaging with the private sector and beyond to address transportation gaps that exist for residents in the state.
“The NAIAS 2020 Michigan Mobility Challenge is bringing new and innovative technologies to downtown Detroit that will not only provide thousands of visitors with an opportunity for their first experience in an automated vehicle, but will also help us better address transportation challenges,” said Jeff Mason, CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “Through our PlanetM mobility initiative, we are proud to partner with MDOT and all of the providers.”
About the North American International Auto Show
Now in its 32nd year as an international event, the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) is the most influential annual automotive event in the world. NAIAS is where future mobility innovations meet the pavement. With the largest concentration of the world’s top automotive and technology executives, designers, engineers and thought leaders, NAIAS serves as the global stage for companies to debut brand-defining vehicles, offer product ride-and-drives and announce industry-shaping plans. Starting in 2020, the reimagined show will be held in June, allowing exhibitors to take advantage of indoor and outdoor venues. NAIAS is the only event of its kind to present six unique shows in one, including: The Gallery, an ultra-luxury automotive event; AutoMobili-D, an inside look at future mobility platforms; Press Preview, an opportunity for automakers to debut new products and technology; Industry Preview, a one-of-a-kind networking opportunity on the show floor; Charity Preview, the largest annual single-night fundraiser across the globe; and then concluding with an eight-day Public Show. For more information, visit naias.com.
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2020 NAIAS Dates:
The Gallery: Sunday, June 7
Press Preview: Tuesday, June 9 – Wednesday, June 10
AutoMobili-D: Tuesday, June 9 – Thursday, June 11
Industry Preview: Wednesday, June 10 – Thursday, June 11
Charity Preview: Friday, June 12
Public Show: Saturday, June 13 – Saturday, June 20
