VW's new company aims for on-demand self-driving carsDecember 6, 2016 - 13:29 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Like other automakers, Volkswagen sees the writing on the wall: it knows that there won't be as much of a reason to own a car in the future between ridesharing (like that of its partner, Gett) and self-driving cars. Accordingly, it's creating a company to prepare for that future. Moia (Sanskrit for "magic") is a new, stand-alone mobility firm that will offer services in between mass transit and personal car ownership. Conventional ridesharing is the "first step," VW says, but definitely not the only one, Engadget reports. One of its first major goals is to develop on-demand commuter services based around small, electric shuttles. Think UberPool or Lyft Line, but with dedicated vehicles and more space for passengers. Gett and other ridesharing companies would pick you up if you're the only one headed in a given direction. Ultimately, though, the plan is to offer autonomous on-demand transport. You wouldn't have to worry about getting around town when there's always a robotic ride just a few minutes away, Engadget said. VW has high hopes: it wants Moia to have a "leading position" in the mobility service field by 2025, and it believes that the first pilot projects for self-driving services could arrive earlier than the commonly-cited 2021 goal. It's too soon to say how realistic those targets are, but the very creation of Moia is notable. It's an acknowledgment that VW's existing business model isn't guaranteed to last, and that it needs a team which won't feel pressured to prop up car sales. Also, it's another step in VW's bid to reinvent its image following its emissions cheating scandal -- it shows that the company is not only willing to embrace EVs, but reduce car ownership as a whole, Engadget said. Top stories Yerevan will host the 2024 edition of the World Congress On Information Technology (WCIT). Rustam Badasyan said due to the lack of such regulation, the state budget is deprived of VAT revenues. Krisp’s smart noise suppression tech silences ambient sounds and isolates your voice for calls. Gurgen Khachatryan claimed that the "illegalities have been taking place in 2020." Partner news Most popular in the section | Turkey extends military presence in Azerbaijan The Turkish parliament has adopted a bill submitted by Recep Tayyip Erdogan to extend the mandate of Turkish troops. Russia to begin assessing migrant workers' speaking skills Rosobrnadzor is planning to change the Russian language exam for migrant workers and include an assessment of speaking skills Armenian, Saudi Foreign Minister meet in Riyadh The two commended the positive dynamics of the development of political dialogue between Armenia and Saudi Arabia Pashinyan: Azerbaijan’s proximity shouldn’t worry border residents At the same time, he said that he “does not guarantee [the security of villagers] one hundred percent”. |