The NRMA pushes for the use of “smart” technology

10 June 2016

Image: Google Driverless Car/Marc Isler

The NRMA, a BCCM member, has called on the NSW and ACT governments to start trials of driverless cars and use “smart” technology on highways to reduce congestion, just as the motoring group tests car-sharing in its Thrifty rental business for the first time.

The motoring group’s new chief executive Rohan Lund, who joined the NRMA in January from Foxtel, replacing Tony Stuart, said he was considering making acquisitions to broaden the motoring group’s business away from breakdown assistance and car repairs into new services that would make it easier for motorists to park and get around.

“Members are worried about congestion,” he said. “We want people to spend less time in traffic … but it’s not just more bitumen that’s going to solve the issues.”

A spate of deals this year between multinational companies and ride-sharing groups underscore the shift away from car ownership in big cities, Mr Lund said.

Apple is investing $US1 billion in Chinese car hail service Didi Chuxing; Volkswagen is putting $US300 million into Israeli ride share start-up Gett; General Motors has dropped $US500 million in US ride sharing group Lyft; and Toyota has struck an alliance with Uber.

Mr Lund is also evaluating a move into car-sharing – which would put it in competition with existing operations like GoGet and Flexicar (owned by Hertz) – running trials with vehicles from the group’s Thrifty rental business, which owns 27,000 cars.