VDL Groep and Schaeffler collaborate on autonomous shuttles

An image of the autonomous shuttle vehicle that VDL Groep and Schaeffler want to develop and produce together.

Schaeffler and VDL Groep are jointly exploring the development and production of a new generation of autonomous electric shuttles for public transportation. The two family-owned companies will showcase the vehicle for the first time at the IAA Mobility, next week in Munich. The prototype of the vehicle, which will feature Mobileye's autonomous driving technology as well as all relevant electrification and control technologies, will be on display until Friday, 8 September 2023, at the VDL Groep booth (hall B3, stand B21) and at the Schaeffler booth (hall B3, stand B40).

The initiators aim to combine their technological competencies and expertise in the fields of system engineering, development, production, and public transport. In this forward-looking and innovative mobility concept, the two partners will collaborate with Mobileye, which will supply the autonomous driving systems for the shuttle vehicles. The negotiations between VDL and Schaeffler with public transport companies regarding pilot projects are in an advanced stage. According to plan, the vehicles may begin testing on the streets from 2025.

Across the world, the concept of mobility is currently being reimagined. In many metropolitan areas, the range of mobility options is being supplemented with alternative transportation concepts that are sustainable and easily accessible. Public transport companies are increasingly exploring solutions for autonomous driving to handle greater traffic volumes, also due to a lack of drivers. Especially during off-peak hours, larger vehicles can gradually be replaced by smaller, self-driving vehicles that are available on demand and provide an ideal solution for local public transport that is emission-free and quiet. The system with self-driving shuttles, which consumers can summon via an app, will bring about significant changes in public transport. It is expected that the demand for self-driving shuttle services will increase in the coming years, particularly in large cities in Europe, North America, and parts of Asia. With the proposed strategic collaboration between Schaeffler and VDL, these companies demonstrate their intention to be involved early in these developments. The companies aim to accelerate the development of shuttle vehicles that can be produced on a commercial scale.

'Pioneering and innovating'

President and CEO Willem van der Leegte of VDL Groep: “Autonomous shuttle vehicles will play an important role in our future mobility needs. This vehicle concept fits seamlessly into our broad mobility proposition that includes design, electrification, connectivity, autonomous driving, and services. Of course, this intended collaboration is a fantastic opportunity to pioneer and innovate with our valued partners Schaeffler, Mobileye, and others.”

Klaus Rosenfeld, CEO of Schaeffler AG: “Autonomous shuttle vehicles will become an integral part of modern mobility ecosystems. They will be able to transport more passengers safely, quickly, and easily, and increase accessibility to mobility for both city dwellers and people in rural areas. At Schaeffler, we want to support this development in a sustainable way with the best system technology and innovative technology for the automotive sector. We believe this goal can be best achieved through strong partnerships. Therefore, we are happy to collaborate with VDL Groep and Mobileye.”

Level 4: driverless without a chauffeur

VDL Groep leads the way as an innovator in the fields of bus and car manufacturing and is the European frontrunner in the electrification of heavier vehicles. Schaeffler is a globally leading supplier of systems and components for electrified powertrains and innovative steering systems for the automotive sector. The company has introduced a so-called ‘rolling chassis’, which combines a fully electric powertrain, ‘steer-by-wire’ system and battery in a modular solution. Mobileye's platform, designed for shuttle vehicles, enables autonomous driving through specially developed EyeQ processors, surround camera sensor systems and lidar/radar detection, plus map solutions.

Johann Jungwirth, Senior Vice President Autonomous Vehicles at Mobileye: “The full potential of autonomous mobility to transform our communities for the better can only be achieved if the technologies are safe, accessible, and scalable. Together with Schaeffler and VDL Groep, we have the right strategy and capabilities to make Mobility-as-a-Service a reality in the near future.”

The newly developed and produced shuttles will first operate in Germany, as this is the first country in Europe where self-driving autonomous vehicles at SAE level 4 are permitted to be used on public roads.

Industrialization: production volume depends on achievable turnover

Schaeffler and VDL are planning to develop and build shuttles for public transport companies that will operate the vehicles within a comprehensive ecosystem. Schaeffler and VDL are in discussions about pilot projects aimed at testing the concept and establishing a scalable ecosystem. The intended production volumes will depend on sales figures. It is expected that from 2030 onwards, several thousand vehicles will be produced annually. The production of the vehicles will take place at VDL's Mobility Innovation Center in Born.

Specifications of the autonomous shuttle by Schaeffler and VDL:

• 9 seats: 6 fixed and 3 flexible.
• Loading capacity of approximately 1,000 kg.
• Dimensions: 5 meters long, 2.2 meters wide, 2.8 meters high, maximum weight 5,000 kg.
• Indoor monitoring system that is directly connected to the control room.
• Two integrated, independent detection systems: one with a camera and one with radar (detection using radio waves) and lidar (detection using laser light).
• Large doors and a low step-in height.
• Accessible for wheelchairs.
• Maximum speed: 70 km/h.
• Range: over 350 km per day and over 100 km on a single charge.

Press conference at IAA Mobility on Monday, 4 September

Schaeffler and VDL Groep will hold a press conference on Monday, 4 September at 11:00 am CEST regarding this planned collaboration. Location: IAA Mobility in Munich (Hall B3, Stand B40). This press conference can also be followed digitally via the following link: Webcast (gomexlive.com)

About Schaeffler Group

We are pioneers in the field of motion. The Schaeffler Group has been committed for more than 75 years to groundbreaking inventions and developments in the fields of motion and mobility. We provide innovative technologies, products, and services for electric mobility, CO₂-efficient drives, chassis solutions, Industry 4.0, digitalisation, and renewable energies, and are a trusted partner to make motion more efficient, smarter, and more sustainable throughout the entire lifecycle. The technology company produces highly precise components and systems for driveline and chassis applications, as well as roller and plain bearing solutions for a wide range of industrial applications. In 2022, the Schaeffler Group had a turnover of €15.8 billion. The Schaeffler Group has around 84,000 employees and is therefore one of the largest family-run companies in the world. With more than 1,250 patent applications in 2022, Schaeffler is according to the DPMA (German Patent and Trademark Office) the third most innovative company in Germany. www.schaeffler.com

About VDL Groep

Power through collaboration. This is the foundation of VDL Groep, the international industrial family business headquartered in Brainport Eindhoven. The company was founded in 1953, now over 70 years ago, and has since 2017 been led by the third generation of the Van der Leegte family. VDL Groep employs over 16,000 people and operates in 19 countries. The group comprises more than 100 subsidiaries, each with its own specialization, working closely together. The activities of these companies can be summarised into the 'five worlds of VDL': Hightech, Mobility, Energy, Infratech, and Foodtech. The combined annual revenue was €5.752 billion in 2022. www.vdlgroep.com