Autonomous Vehicle Association Unveils New Name

The Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association is the new name for the group formerly known as the Self-Driving Coalition for Safer Streets. The association represents companies developing autonomous vehicle technology that improves safety and enhances mobility. 

AVIA represents a cross-section of technology, automotive, trucking, delivery, and rideshare companies. Established in 2016 by founding members Ford, Lyft, Uber, Volvo Cars, and Waymo, AVIA was the first advocacy organization dedicated exclusively to autonomous vehicles, according to an announcement. The trade association engages with federal, state, and local policymakers, while representing the breadth of the large, diverse, and expanding AV industry.

"Autonomous vehicles offer significant opportunities to improve road safety as well as transform mobility, boost supply chains, create jobs, increase equity, and reduce emissions,” said Ariel Wolf, general counsel. “The Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association remains the foremost voice on the policies needed to make AV benefits a reality for Americans."

The association’s new name aligns with the members' commitment to consistency in how the industry, policymakers, journalists, and the public talk about autonomous driving technology, according to the association. AVIA advocates for autonomous vehicles, which perform the entire driving task. AVs do not require human operators, not even to serve as a backup driver; the people or packages in the vehicle are just passengers or freight.

Additionally, AVIA has welcomed Navya as a new member. Navya is building AV technology to create new modes of transportation for passengers and goods, with pilot projects in over 20 countries.

"Navya Inc. is proud to become an active member of AVIA,” said Sophie Desormière, CEO of Navya.  “Alongside prestigious mobility players, Navya Inc. is contributing to the development of the AV technology in the United States. With several projects already in operation today and more to come in the next few months, the U.S. market has a strong potential. From policymakers to the final user, we must work together to shape this new way of transporting people and goods."

All current AVIA members are Argo AI, Aurora, Cruise, Embark, Ford, Kodiak, Lyft, Motional, Navya, Nuro, TuSimple, Uber, Volvo Cars, Waymo, and Zoox.