The new Intellicar. Photo: supplied
Camera IconThe new Intellicar. Photo: supplied Credit: Supplied/Supplied

RAC unveils WA’s first driverless intellicar

James LiverisEastern Reporter

AUSTRALIA’s first driverless, on-demand automated vehicle was unveiled in Perth yesterday.

The RAC Intellicar will become the newest addition to RAC’s automated vehicle program, supported by the State Government and vehicle manufacturer, NAVYA.

RAC Group CEO Terry Agnew said the arrival of the prototype vehicle was a significant transportation milestone for WA.

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“How we move around is rapidly evolving and being able to test emerging vehicle technologies right here in WA will help us adapt to these changes in the safest way possible,” Mr Agnew said.

“Human error is the cause of the vast majority of road deaths and serious injuries, so if we can help WA and Australia safely transition to driverless vehicles sooner, hundreds of Australian lives could be saved.”

The RAC expects to take delivery of additional Intellicars later this year and, over the coming months, will work with the State Government to identify potential trial locations, with public trials planned for 2019.

“Over coming years, vehicle automation will become more prolific within our transport network, which is why it’s critical we conduct trials like these to better understand the potential impacts and opportunities,” he said.

“Having a robust understanding of the technology and what it means for WA will help develop a roadmap for the safe transition to our driverless future.”

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Camera IconImage Credit: Supplied/Supplied

NAVYA CEO Christophe Sapet said Australia is a strategic place to test, showcase and deploy new technologies in the region.

“The government’s, as well as RAC’s, enthusiasm for new vehicle technology, innovation and the need to make smart mobility solutions readily available to the community in this part of the world has led us to confirm one of our trials here in Western Australia,” he said.