AG Auto Secures USD1million for self-driving King Long buses at Dubai World Challenge

10X Technology

Mita Srinivasan
10X Technology
Published:

AG Auto Secures USD1million for self-driving King Long buses at Dubai World Challenge

The Dubai World Challenge for Self-Driving Transport is a catalyst to make 25 percent of all trips in Dubai to be smart and driverless by 2030.

AG Auto, part of Al Ghurair Investment, secured first place at Dubai World Challenge for its groundbreaking King Long self-driving buses, showcasing cutting-edge smart technologies. A portion of the USD 1 million prize is slated to be used for potential deployment of the autonomous buses in Dubai.

The Dubai World Challenge for Self-Driving Transport is a catalyst to achieve the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to make 25 percent of all trips in Dubai to be smart and driverless by 2030. Hosted by the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), the Challenge is a multi-year international competition designed for industry leaders, start-ups, and academia tackling the transport challenges faced by global cities. It is the first of its kind to be truly global in its outlook and not limited by country or region.

Mohammed Maktari, General Manager for AG Auto, said: “We are thrilled to witness King Long's remarkable victory at the Dubai World Challenge. As the exclusive distributor for King Long buses in the UAE, AG Auto takes immense pride in this achievement. We are fully aligned with Dubai's ambitious vision of achieving 25 percent smart and driverless trips in the city by 2030, and we eagerly anticipate playing a pivotal role alongside our esteemed partner, King Long, in realising this transformative journey."

Measuring six meters in length, the King Long bus K06 model is designed to operate autonomously. It relies on sophisticated technologies, including artificial intelligence, to deftly navigate and control the vehicle. Outfitted with an array of 27 cameras and sensors, it boasts a quick 120-minute full battery charge time, a top speed of 69 km/h, and a capacity to transport up to 12 passengers.

The winner was selected from ten local and international establishments that qualified for the final round at the 3rd Dubai World Challenge for Self-Driving Transport.