METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Goodyear, Local Motors join forces on autonomous shuttles

Allows Goodyear to study the operation and maintenance areas that need to be addressed when there is no driver at the controls.

February 15, 2019
Goodyear, Local Motors join forces on autonomous shuttles

The test work with autonomous vehicles allows Goodyear to study the operation and maintenance areas that need to be addressed when there is no driver at the controls. Photo: Goodyear

1 min to read


The test work with autonomous vehicles allows Goodyear to study the operation and maintenance areas that need to be addressed when there is no driver at the controls. Photo: Goodyear Tire Co.

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. has teamed with Arizona-based Local Motors to conduct tire testing with an Olli, the brand name of an eight-passenger autonomous shuttle. Local Motors has also selected Goodyear tires for exclusive fitment on its Olli vehicles.

Adding the vehicle to its testing fleet allows Goodyear to use it for advanced mobility evaluation at various locations, including the University of Michigan’s Mcity Test Facility, the public-private research and development site with about 16 acres of roads and traffic infrastructure.

Ad Loading...

The test work with autonomous vehicles allows Goodyear to study the operation and maintenance areas that need to be addressed when there is no driver at the controls. This includes future tire technology options for such vehicles.

Additionally, in Luxembourg, where it operates one of its two global innovation centers, Goodyear is outfitting three autonomous shuttle buses. The vehicles, operated by bus company Sales-Lentz, will shuttle up to 14 passengers per ride on a variety of local routes.

On the three shuttles, Goodyear tires are equipped with sensors to collect operational data in the real-world application, which Goodyear engineers and data scientists can use to map predictive maintenance and other performance benefits.


More Technology

Spare logo for Fixed Route Platform
Technologyby StaffMay 19, 2026

Spare Expands AI-Native Operations Platform With Fixed-Route Capabilities

The launch marks a major milestone in Spare’s vision for unified transit operations.

Read More →
Trinity Metro On Demand Vehicle
Technologyby StaffMay 19, 2026

Via Announces Scheduling and Supply Studio

The Scheduling and Supply Studio provides the world’s first fully integrated platform for optimizing vehicle and driver availability to rider demand, said company officials.

Read More →
A blue and white graphic with the APTA logo and text reading "New AI Guidance Suite for Public Transit."

APTA Launches AI Guidance Suite for Public Transit

The industry group’s new reports provide transit agencies with implementation strategies, governance recommendations, and examples of AI in action.

Read More →
Cover photo for METROspectives with HDR's Brian Buchanan
Managementby Alex RomanMay 15, 2026

Managing Complexity: HDR’s Brian Buchanan on Delivering Major Transit Programs

HDR’s transit program management lead discusses the challenges of overseeing large capital projects, adapting to cost and supply chain pressures, and the capabilities agencies need to build for the future.

Read More →
Gavel and measures of justice.

American Bus Association Files Lawsuit Against NYC Over Bus Idling Rules

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, challenges the City’s use of its Citizens Air Complaint program.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
METRO Biz Briefs cover photo

STV Launches Power Practice and More in Biz Briefs

In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at the latest news from SilverRide, Complete Coach Works, and more.

Read More →
Cover for Part 2 with AC Transit's Cecil Blandon
ManagementMay 8, 2026

Bus Tech Talk: Part 2 with AC Transit's Cecil Blandon

In Part 2 of a two-part conversation, AC Transit’s director of maintenance joins co-hosts Alex Roman and Mark Hollenbeck to discuss his maintenance team’s work with various types of vehicle, training, augmented reality, and more.

Read More →
SEPTA's advertisement for multi-rider feature.
Technologyby StaffMay 7, 2026

Philadelphia's SEPTA Introduces Multi-Rider Feature for Contactless Payments

Up until now, this feature was only available when using a SEPTA Key card.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A Waev Gem vehicle with a ramp deployed.

ABC Teams with Waev, Knorr-Bremse in Boston Top Biz Briefs

Stay informed with these quick takes on the projects and companies driving progress across the transportation landscape.

Read More →