Aviva, Darwin and 02 announce passenger shuttle for autonomous vehicle trial

Aviva and Darwin have announced a milestone in their five-year strategic partnership with the registration of a passenger shuttle for use in autonomous vehicle trials, with the support of the O2 network.

Today, the shuttle was introduced outside St Helen’s, Aviva’s head office in the City of London. The shuttle did not operate at the event, but members of the public had the opportunity to see the vehicle.

The shuttle, created by Navya, will be used to demonstrate the potential of self-driving cars and gather information about their operation. Aviva will use data from these trials to evolve its current motor insurance products, enabling it to provide comprehensive cover for autonomous vehicles and associated technologies as they begin to operate on UK roads

Darwin began conducting activities involving self-driving technology about two years ago, with the support of the UK Space Agency and the European Space Agency.

“It’s exciting to bring this autonomous vehicle to our London headquarters so that people can witness the future of mobility in the making. There is no better place to unveil the vehicle than at Aviva with its long heritage in motor insurance, dating back to the very earliest vehicles” said Chief Operating Officer at Aviva, Nick Amin. “This is a great example of Aviva serving as an enabler – in this case, for important advancements in mobility, by providing insurance for the shuttle to be used on the UK’s roads. The data from this trial will help Aviva to better understand the future of mobility and shape our motor insurance policies for the vehicles of the future. I can’t think of a better demonstration of our core purpose, ‘with you today for a better tomorrow’.”