A Coventry company which makes driverless vehicles has been highlighted as a rising star in the export world by the Government.
Aurrigo’s driverless ‘Pod Zero’ vehicles have brought in orders totalling £1.5m from overseas customers over the last 12 months.
The export drive has been achieved with help from the Department for International Trade (DIT).
Sales have come from customers in Australia, Canada, Vietnam, Finland, Singapore and the US, with the latest deal seeing one of Aurrigo’s Pod Zeros heading to China.
The growth in exports takes Aurrigo’s annual sales up to £4.2m and, with a strong pipeline of future orders in place, the company is predicting a further £6m of contracts between now and the end of 2020.
The Pod Zero seats four people and travels at a maximum speed of 15mph off road and will run for 60 miles on a single charge.
Aurrigo has established sales offices in Adelaide, Houston and Ottawa with a growing network of distributors.
The company has already agreed distribution deals in Japan, South Korea and Vietnam.
Aurrigo has also just completed its first ever public autonomous trial in Canada, opening up new opportunities for expansion into the North American market.
Aurrigo’s chief executive David Keene said: “Our exporting story began four years ago whilst we were attending the Intelligent Transport Show in Australia.
“The Department for International Trade has been integral to our export success, which has now become a huge part of our business, with exports reaching £1.5 million over the last twelve months.
“Our international trade advisor has helped alert us to trade shows and events enabling us to showcase our products and increase our global presence.
“I would recommend any company to get in touch with DIT, without them we wouldn’t have enjoyed such a great international success story.”
Mr Keene added: “Our driverless pods have been in development for several years and we have refined the autonomous technology on real world applications.
“We have successfully built up a reputation for offering a viable, safe and cost-effective solution that is now in operation at universities, airports and innovation districts.”
Continual development
Aurrigo is continually developing its range of products, having recently launched a new autonomous baggage solution for Heathrow.
Working with British Airways, the company has created an adapted dolly that has been moving around Terminal 5 at Heathrow Airport and is also now operating in the baggage handling area.
Ian Harrison, DIT’s head of exports in the Midlands, said: “This innovative brand is a shining example of a Midlands-based company achieving great global success with the help of DIT.
“Last year was a record-breaking year for exporting in the Midlands Engine and enterprises, such as Aurrigo, are key to the country’s economy.
“Overseas consumers are increasingly looking to British expertise and premium future mobility products.
“We’re starting to show what a real international trade department can deliver for the UK in jobs and investment.”
