OPTIMAL-IM, first-ever partnership established on self-driving technology by and between Taiwan’s ARTC and Optimal Group of the U.S.

　With the support of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Automotive Research & Testing Center (ARTC) of Taiwan set up a joint venture, OPTIMAL Intelligent Mobility (hereinafter “OPTIMAL-IM”) with Optimal Group of the U.S. by contribution of technical know-how; OPTIMAL-IM officially kicked off operation as of October 26, 2022 with the North America as the target of marketing during its initial operation period.  The autonomous driving technology developed under OPTIMAL-IM will be used on vehicles for sale in the North America in 2024 after the completion of verification and validation test conducted on the autonomous driving technology in 2023.  The joint venture represents the first partnership for self-driving system between the Taiwan-based non-profit organization and an U.S. firm and will develop massive business opportunities for Taiwan’s autonomous driving supply chain.  

　Incorporated since 1986, Optimal Group of the U.S. has been the design developer exclusively for the “Big Three” automobile manufacturers of the U.S. (Ford Motor Company, General Motors, and Chrysler Stellantis North America) and is the first-ever manufacturer and developer of electric low-floor midi-bus.  As the leader in the field of electric vehicles, Optimal Group has sought for a suitable partner in autonomous driving technology, while ARTC of Taiwan presents its homegrown and essential achievement in self-driving technology, the ADAS Level 3 Integrated Technology.  Impressed by ARTC’s stunning achievement, Optimal Group decided to set up OPTIMAL-IM jointly with ARTC to vie for the autonomous vehicles market.  

　ARTC has poured considerable resources into self-driving technology for many years.  By transferring its 12 ADAS technologies as technological contributions based on its two core technologies, adaptive cruise control (ACC) and lane following system (LFS), ARTC set up OPTIMAL-IM with Optimal Group to combine relevant technologies with the OPTIMAL-EV .  ARTC expects that its launch into the U.S. market will help pave the way for the debut of Taiwan’s homegrown self-driving technologies on the international market.  (Released 2022.10.26)  

/CCS