Driverless vehicle firm gets £14.1 million growth boost

An autonomous transport firm says it is poised to accelerate global growth plans after securing £14.1 million support.

Aurrigo International has been backed by £9.75 million from Next Gen Mobility and new and existing investors.

Bosses say the cash will allow the company to explore a move to a larger Coventry-based engineering and manufacturing base, bolster its 110-strong workforce and build “multiple” demonstrator vehicles.

They add it will also enable the firm to create a blueprint for an additional production operation geared towards breaking into South Asian and South East Asian aviation markets.

The financial support comes just days after Aurrigo International – which works with seven global aviation hubs – revealed a partnership with Teesside International Airport to trial an autonomous passenger shuttle and driverless tug.

Professor David Keene, chief executive, said: “We are delighted to welcome Next Gen as a strategic investor and grateful for the support of existing and new investors.

“The significant funds raised will provide additional firepower to expand our operations and team.

“We have already identified potential future commercial opportunities with Next Gen, especially around UK projects focused on implementing pods and rapid passenger transport systems.”

Aurrigo International recently announced a partnership with Swissport, which will see the company conduct its first-ever global pilot of autonomous ground handling technology at Zurich Airport.

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