Applied EV, Suzuki to develop autonomous 4WD EV

Japanese car maker Suzuki Motor Corporation and Australian technology company Applied Electric Vehicles have signed a memorandum of understanding which will see the pair co-develop a new four-wheel-drive.

Applied EV was formed in 2015 and unveiled its autonomous Blanc Robot platform early in 2021. An agreement with Suzuki followed in September that year, and Suzuki announced an investment in the Australian company a year later.

Blanc Robot is described as a “driverless, bi-directional, four-wheel-steering vehicle”, modularised to be adapted to different applications, and running on the the Digital Backbone “software-defined driverless technology” central control system.

According to a short statement from Suzuki made in late-March and then recirculated to media by Applied EV this week, the co-development project will see Blanc Robot “integrated to the ladder frame of Suzuki’s 4WD Jimny” electrified by Applied EV.

“The two companies intend to bring the Blanc Robot™ to production and develop business models to expand the adoption of autonomous electric vehicles and enhance brand awareness,” it said.

“Prior to the agreement, Suzuki has made additional investment in Applied EV through Suzuki’s corporate venture capital fund, Suzuki Global Ventures. The two companies will further strengthen their relationship and promote next generation mobility.”

Applied EV is headquartered in Bayswater North, with offices in London and Hungary.

Picture: supplied

Further reading

SIEMENS, APPLIED EV ANNOUNCE COLLABORATION ON PLM SOFTWARE

APPLIED EV AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE SHOWS THE FUTILITY OF AUSTRALIA’S CAR PLANS

APPLIED EV ELECTRIC VEHICLE PLATFORM SURFACES