Iconiq Motors has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to test its Level 5 (L5) autonomous driving prototype in the UAE.
The China-headquartered electric vehicle manufacturer signed the agreement with Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) and Safe City Group, UAE state news agency, WAM, reported.
Iconiq is among the participating companies at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, where it is showcasing the prototype of its L5 autonomous vehicle.
Under the terms of the deal, the L5 prototype will undergo extensive testing at Masdar City this year.
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Yousef Baselaib, executive director of sustainable real estate at Madsar, commented: “Masdar City has put smart and sustainable mobility at the centre of its strategy, as highlighted by the historic success of its flagship driverless personal rapid transit (PRT) system.
“Masdar City is the ideal location to test innovative autonomous driving concepts. We are excited to partner with Iconiq to support the advancement of autonomous mobility.”
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Meanwhile, Bruno Lambert, chief executive officer of Iconiq Motors, said: “We are delighted to be a part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week this year and excited to be collaborating with Masdar City in the development of Iconiq’s L5 autonomous vehicle.
“Our plan is to deliver the first L5 vehicle fleet for the Dubai World Expo in October 2020, and we’re aiming to go into mass production at the end of 2023, when infrastructure and regulations are likely to be ready for fully autonomous vehicles.”
Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, taking place from 13 to 20 January, 2018, is being hosted by Masdar.
