Continental, Magna International Inc. conduct real-world test of driverless vehicles in Michigan, Ontario
TRAVERSE CITY, MI, July 31, 2017 — Two automated driving vehicles will travel more than 300 miles before arriving in Traverse City as part of an international border demonstration by Continental and Magna International Inc. The demonstration will start in southeast Michigan and culminate at the Center for Automotive Research’s annual Management Briefing Seminars.
The automated driving vehicles will cross into Windsor, Ontario before going north to Sarnia, Ontario and return back into Michigan. The first cross-border demonstration of its kind, this drive allows Continental and Magna, as well as the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO), to test automated driving technology in a variety of settings.
“The MDOT team is happy to support the auto industry and job providers as they keep Michigan in its historical position as the world’s leader in mobility,” said Kirk T. Steudle, Director, MDOT. “Today’s cross-border demonstration of an automated vehicle represents unprecedented collaboration between two nations and private industry.”
“With operations in both Ontario and Michigan, Magna can clearly see the benefits of cross-border collaboration as we have on this project,” said Tom Toma, Global Product Manager, Magna Electronics. “And with our commitment to innovation and ongoing work in helping define the future mobility landscape, our involvement is a natural fit and we are pleased to join with our partners in this hands-free road trip.”
Through Continental’s Cruising Chauffeur function, the vehicles will be able to take over driving tasks on various roadways in accordance with traffic regulations. Once Cruising Chauffeur is activated, data analyzed in a central control unit called Assisted & Automated Driving Control Unit (ADCU) is used to generate a 360-degree model of the vehicle’s surroundings. In combination with a high-resolution map, the system recognizes all moving and static objects, as well as the layout of the roadway ahead. The drive will demonstrate how the vehicles’ multiple camera, radar and LiDAR sensors will interact while being driven underwater through the concrete Detroit-Windsor Tunnel and across the steel Blue Water Bridge. Continental’s worldwide development of automated driving includes six key elements: sensor technology, cluster connectivity, human-machine dialog, system architecture, reliability and the acceptance of automated driving.
“Continental has been testing automated driving on public roads for more than five years and our approach is a global initiative. The engineering teams are spread across locations in the U.S., Europe, China and Japan to ensure driving and safety functions can be easily adapted to the individual regions as one comprehensive team effort,” said Jeff Klei, President, Continental North America. “Approximately 95 percent of all road accidents involve human error. Saving lives and reducing injuries will always be our priority in developing new technologies at Continental. That’s what we call our Vision Zero – our goal of having no fatalities and no injuries as a result of traffic accidents.
About Planet M
Planet M represents Michigan’s unique ecosystem and leading role in transforming the way people and goods are transported. Planet M members include public-private partnerships and collaborative programs with the common goal of positively contributing to the reinvention of the transportation industry. For more information, visit planetm.com.
About Continental
Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people and their goods. Founded in 1871, the technology company offers safe, efficient, intelligent and affordable solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic and transport. In 2016, Continental generated sales of €40.5 billion and currently employs more than 227,000 people in 56 countries.
About Magna We are a leading global automotive supplier with 321 manufacturing operations and 102 product development, engineering and sales centers in 29 countries. We have over 159,000 employees focused on delivering superior value to our customers through innovative products and processes, and world class manufacturing. We have complete vehicle engineering and contract manufacturing expertise, as well as product capabilities which include body, chassis, exterior, seating, powertrain, active driver assistance, vision, closure and roof systems. We also have electronic and software capabilities across many of these areas. Our common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (MG) and the New York Stock Exchange (MGA). For further information about Magna, visit our website at www.magna.com.
About Ontario
In Ontario, Canada, collaboration between advanced R&D facilities, world-class academic institutions and the finest talent is driving the disruptive innovation today’s global business leaders must harness to drive success. Ontario generates 38 percent of Canada’s GDP, is North America’s second-largest IT hub, and its capital, Toronto is ranked as one of the most livable cities in the world.
