Representatives of Volkswagen AG and the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) signed the "Project Qatar Mobility," on the sideline of the ongoing Doha Forum 2019.
His Excellency the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani witnessed the signing of the initiative that aims to introduce "a new era of urban mobility in a capital city in 2022."
QIA CEO Mansoor Al Mahmoud and Volkswagen Group chairman Dr Herbert Diess initialled the agreement.
Joining the prime minister during the signing ceremony were HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and HE the Minister of Transport and Communication Jassim Seif Ahmed Al Sulaiti.
The revolutionary project underlines the mutual commitment to both smart technologies and green transport.
QIA and Volkswagen will collaborate to develop the required physical and digital infrastructure to seamlessly integrate a fleet of self-driving vehicles into Doha’s existing public transport network.
"For the first time ever, a cutting-edge fleet of self-driving Level 4 electric shuttles will usher in a new era of urban mobility in a capital city in 2022," QIA said in a statement.
During the largest sporting event in the world, Qatar will become the venue for the world’s first emission-free, electric and autonomous public transport system.
Closed testing of the shuttle vehicles and buses is expected to begin in 2020 and trials will start as early as 2021.
The project will go live by the end of 2022, providing a technical showcase of future autonomous driving.
HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior witnessed the signing of ‘Project Qatar Mobility’ agreement between representatives of Volkswagen AG and Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), on the sidelines of Doha Forum 2019.
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According to Volkswagen, the landmark project will create a holistic ecosystem for autonomous driving, including the creation of an appropriate legal framework, smart city infrastructure and transfer of knowledge, which can be used as a blueprint to transform urban mobility, both in Qatar and beyond.
Chairman of Volkswagen, Diess said, "Project Qatar Mobility will play a very important role in our Strategy 'Together 2025+'. Addressing the economic growth, social development, and environmental management challenges identified as part of our vision, and underlines our commitment to investing in next-generation mobility. We will be experiencing real-world learnings and use the project as a stepping stone – for generations to come."
"For our cities to progress, we need a new wave of innovation. AI-enabled, emission-free transportation technologies will help advance urban mobility, while diminishing congestion and improving energy efficiency," QIA CEO, Al Mahmoud commented.
"We are proud that QIA has been able to partner with Volkswagen to ensure that Qatar is at the forefront of these new technologies. The development of a smart transport solution will help transform the future of urban mobility, both at home and around the world," he added.
QIA is a long-term investor in the Volkswagen Group and has two highly-regarded representatives on its Supervisory Board of Directors.
QIA continues to support the continued growth of the VW group, including its ongoing expansion and the leadership position it has taken in mass vehicle electrification.
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