Picture this: You’re standing at the port, and instead of searching for a rental car, one simply arrives at your location—without a driver. Sounds futuristic? Not anymore! Ush and Poppy Mobility, subsidiaries of D'Ieteren Automotive, are turning this vision into reality at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges. In partnership with the port, they are introducing remote-controlled rental cars, redefining convenience and flexibility in mobility.
How Does It Work?
For this initial launch phase, two remote-driven vehicles will be deployed for Boluda, a key maritime service provider in Antwerp. Here’s how it works:
A Boluda employee requests a car via the Poppy app.
The car, controlled remotely by an operator, drives to the employee’s location.
The user takes the wheel and drives as usual.
Once the trip is over, a remote operator takes back control and sends the car to the next customer.
Why the Port of Antwerp-Bruges?
With its dynamic environment and complex logistical challenges, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges is the perfect testing ground for this technology. The goal? To improve accessibility for employees and offer more flexible and sustainable transportation solutions.
As a pioneer in innovation—already home to autonomous drones and ships—the port is reinforcing its role as a tech hub by collaborating with Flemish and national authorities to encourage new mobility solutions.
A Gradual and Safe Rollout
Ush and Poppy Mobility are taking a step-by-step approach to ensure the safe introduction of this technology in Belgium. After the test phase with Boluda, additional companies will be invited to offer the service to their employees. The goal? A full commercial rollout by 2026.
A Game-Changer for the Future of Mobility
Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, highlights that the port is a key testing ground for innovative technologies. Following the success of autonomous ships and drones, remote-driving technology is set to follow the same path.
Max Levandowski, CEO of Ush, emphasises that the company is working closely with authorities to establish a legal framework for these remote-driven vehicles, with the ambition of large-scale adoption in the coming years.
What’s Next?
With this breakthrough, Ush and Poppy Mobility are paving the way for a new era of car-sharing. Fewer hassles, more flexibility, and optimised mobility—the car that comes to you is closer than ever!
What do you think? Let us know in the comments!
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