Canada’s first cross-border automated vehicle tests start

TINNews |

The governments of Ontario and Michigan have launched North America’s first cross-border automated vehicle test drive.

The test drive began in Detroit and will continue from Windsor to Sarnia before crossing back over the border and ending in Traverse City, Michigan.

Ontario Transportation Minister Steven Del Duca said: "Ontario is proud to be part of North America’s first national, cross border test drive in our automated vehicle pilot programme. Today’s test drive is a great example of the continued collaboration and innovation between Ontario and Michigan.

"This new memorandum of understanding and our recent commitment of $80m for an autonomous vehicle innovation network signify the importance of a strong, cohesive partnership and continued investment in the development of AV/CV technologies and the mobility sector."

For the test drive, Ontario's Magna International has provided 2015 Cadillac ATS, and Michigan's Continental Automotive North America has provided Chrysler 300 as demonstration vehicles.

"The demonstration vehicles were equipped with features such as traffic jam assist, lane keeping, and technology that measures driver fatigue, attention, and engagement."

The demonstration vehicles were equipped with features such as traffic jam assist, lane keeping, and technology that measures driver fatigue, attention, and engagement.

Michigan State Transportation Director Kirk Steudle said: “The blueprint for border testing is being developed right here in Michigan and Ontario. We value our relationship with Ontario and look forward to further collaboration as this technology continues to evolve.”

Currently, Ontario has six participants in its automated vehicle pilot programme, which includes the University of Waterloo, the Erwin Hymer Group, Blackberry QNX, Continental, X-Matik, and Magna.

The two governments will also sign an agreement to continue their collaboration in developing, testing, and marketing automated and connected vehicle technology.

The new initiative is expected to promote innovation in the auto sector, as well as help in driving economic growth, with these two regions constituting 26% of North American vehicle production.