Uber and Toyota plan 'world's safest self-driving car'

A new self-driving mini-van from Toyota and Uber will help transform autonomous ride-sharing into a mainstream mode of transport, the companies have claimed.

The ride-hailing firm and the car manufacturer will integrate their own self-driving technology into purpose-built Toyota vehicles that will be deployed on Uber’s network. The Japanese car company is also investing $500m in the disruptive firm.

The partnership “will be critical in realising self-driving technology at scale,” Toyota said. Third-party fleet operators are likely to own and operate the vehicles, which will be based on Toyota’s Sienna mini-van, the companies said. 

Uber’s automated driving system and Toyota’s Guardian system will independently monitor the vehicle’s environment and real-time situation to maximise safety.

“Our goal is to deploy the world’s safest self-driving cars on the Uber network,” said Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi. “This agreement is another significant step towards making that a reality. Uber’s advanced technology and Toyota’s commitment to safety and its renowned manufacturing prowess make this partnership a natural fit. I look forward to seeing what our teams accomplish together.”

The companies hope to start testing the cars on Uber’s network in 2021.