GEC NEWS WIREJaguar honoured its role as the official Technology Partner of the 2019 Dubai World Congress for Self-Driving Transport with the showcase of an autonomous prototype Jaguar I-PACE, giving visitors a glimpse into the future of mobility in Dubai. Successfully tested on the streets of Dubai in preparation for its appearance at the Congress, the prototype model demonstrates the progress being made in the autonomous driving space globally, and Jaguar Land Rover’s contribution to the Emirate’s Self-Driving Transport Strategy.
The luxury automotive brand’s commitment to an autonomous, connected, electric and shared ACES future is a cornerstone to delivering on its Destination Zero vision; the ambition to make societies safer and healthier, and the environment cleaner.
The all-electric, zero emissions Jaguar I-PACE – current 2019 World Car of the Year and World Green Car of the Year – was chosen for this special project because of its strong sustainability credentials. The production Jaguar I-PACE was modified to include enhanced vehicle detection and avoidance capabilities through a combination of radar and cameras, alongside a traffic light detection system.
The vehicle’s speed and steering, from stationary up to highway speed, was also controlled autonomously during test drives, with the system following routes from a detailed HD map showing route location and a detailed bird’s-eye view of junctions.
Jaguar Land Rover continues its drive for conscious innovation focusing on achieving its vision with Destination Zero – a future of zero emissions, zero accidents and zero congestion – across its facilities, and through its products and services. Autonomous vehicle technology plays a major role in realising the strategy. To date, Jaguar Land Rover has successfully completed real-world testing of the technology on complicated inner-city roads in the UK and continues to collaborate with academia and industry to accelerate innovation.
Held under The Patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince Of Dubai And Chairman Of The Executive Council, the Dubai World Congress for Self-Driving Transport aims to accelerate the adoption of self-driving technology globally. Locally, the event supports the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to make 25% of all trips in Dubai smart and driverless by 2030.
I-PACE is the world’s first premium all-electric performance SUV. It delivers all-wheel drive performance from its twin Jaguar-designed motors, with an output of 400PS and 696Nm of torque enabling 0-100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds. The state-of-the-art 90kWh Lithium-ion battery delivers up to 470km range WLTP. While a mid-sized SUV, I-PACE’s cab-forward design and electric powertrain means the rear legroom of 890mm is comparable to luxury saloons.
“Jaguar Land Rover shares similar goals to Dubai’s government with regards to mobility and sustainability. We both wish to make driving safer, to free up time we spend travelling, and to reduce the negative impact travel has on our planet,” commented Bruce Robertson, Managing Director of Jaguar Land Rover MENA. “The Dubai World Congress for Self-Driving Transport tackles these same important challenges head-on, and our autonomous Jaguar I-PACE prototype is proof positive of the impressive progress our company and industry are making.”
Ahmed Hashem Bahrozyan, CEO of the Public Transport Agency and Head of the Smart and Sustainable Transport Committee at RTA, said: “Jaguar Land Rover’s pilot launch of an autonomous vehicle at the Dubai World Congress for Self-Driving Transport is a huge boost for RTA’s Self-Driving Transport Strategy, complementing our tireless efforts in supporting autonomous vehicles technology and enablers in Dubai. This type of vehicles has become a key constituent in realising the future of transport and smart cities. It also promotes the concept of sustainability through motivating the use of electrical power in transit means.”
Bahrozyan added: “The pilot launch of Jaguar autonomous vehicle in Dubai contributes to the realisation of our leaders drive to transform 25% of total mobility journeys in Dubai to self-driving transport by 2030. We need to dedicate more efforts to deliver on Dubai’s strategy through taking concrete measures, and stepping up cooperation with the private sector, in line with our wise leadership’s aspirations.”
