UAE-based smart transport company, ION has announced its collaboration with French company, NAVYA to operate and maintain the company’s electric and autonomous shuttles as well as promote its vehicles and related activities in the UAE and the GCC region.
A joint venture between Bee’ah and Crescent Enterprises, ION, which is also the official distributor, will engage with NAVYA’s existing and new customers on sales and after-sales support.
ION will be responsible for the ‘Autonom Shuttle’, which was designed by NAVYA to meet the needs of an autonomous, driverless vehicle while also optimising navigation and safety features. It uses advanced guidance and detection systems and is enhanced with deep learning technology. Already operating in Masdar City since October 2018, the shuttles are also wheelchair-accessible and have a capacity of 15 passengers.
ION’s technicians are currently undergoing rigorous training with NAVYA experts to ensure models of the ‘Autonom Shuttle’ operating in the region provide a regular, dependable service.
Commenting on the occasion, Khaled Al Huraimel, group CEO of Bee’ah and member of the board of directors at ION, said: “Our partnership with NAVYA stems from our commitment to revolutionise transportation in the Middle East region, making it greener and smarter, which is key to a better quality of life for cities and communities.”
Meanwhile, Jerome Rigaud, COO of NAVYA, added: “NAVYA is excited to work with our partners at ION in the GCC region, starting in Masdar with its ‘Autonom Shuttles’, a globally proven first-and-last-mile transportation solution in operation around the globe. Masdar is an ideal environment to showcase the ways in which driverless vehicles integrate seamlessly into our everyday lives.”
Through innovations in green mobility, ION is working towards zero-emissions transportation infrastructure in the region. Al Huraimel added that this partnership will help ION on its journey towards environmental sustainability and the development of a zero-emissions transportation network in the UAE and wider region.
