FCA US LLC and Aurora have signed a memorandum of understanding laying the groundwork for a partnership to develop and deploy self-driving commercial vehicles.
In a statement, the companies explained that through this proposed partnership, FCA – the North American automaker that designs, manufactures, and sells or distributes vehicles under the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, FIAT, and Alfa Romeo brands – and Aurora are proposing to integrate the Aurora Driver – Aurora's self-driving platform – into FCA commercial vehicle lines.
“As part of FCA's autonomous vehicle strategy, we will continue to work with strategic partners to address the needs of customers in a rapidly changing industry,” said Mike Manley, the chief executive officer of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. “Aurora brings a unique skillset combined with advanced and purposeful technology that complements and enhances our approach to self-driving.”
The companies added that FCA brings “deep expertise” in the design, development, and manufacturing of a wide range of commercial vehicles, as well as established relationships with a broad range of suppliers, dealers, and commercial vehicle customers needed to deploy this technology.
“We are thrilled to forge a partnership with FCA US to develop a meaningful business model for delivering the benefits of self-driving commercial vehicles,” said Sterling Anderson, Aurora co-founder and chief product officer.
Victoria Spears
Victoria Prussen Spears is senior vice president of Meyerowitz Communications Inc., a law firm marketing communications consulting company. A graduate of Sarah Lawrence College and Brooklyn Law School, Ms. Spears was an attorney at a leading New York City law firm before joining Meyerowitz Communications. She may be contacted at [email protected].