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Erwin Hymer Group first participant in the Government of Ontario’s Automated Vehicle Pilot Program

Picture of black Erwin Hymer van in parking lot.
Erwin Hymer Group North America, formally Roadtrek Motorhomes, has always been known for its leading edge technologies in the field of recreational vehicles. — Photo: Erwin Hymer Group North America, Inc.

Erwin Hymer Group North America, Inc. the leading class B manufacturer in North America, has become the first OEM in Canada to be approved as a participant in the Government of Ontario’s Automated Vehicle Pilot Program.

Erwin Hymer Group North America along with the University of Waterloo were the first two participants approved for the program which allows the company to test autonomous vehicles on public roads. The status also means that Erwin Hymer Group North America is the very likely the first RV manufacturer in the world with a government permit for testing automated vehicles.

Having Erwin Hymer Group North America and the University of Waterloo together for this program is a perfect fit, as Erwin Hymer Group North America, formally Roadtrek Motorhomes, has always been known for its leading edge technologies in the field of recreational vehicles and the University of Waterloo is home to world changing research and innovation and thrives on inspired teaching.

“We have always had a great relationship with our community and the Universities in our area, so it is an honor to be able to share this with the University of Waterloo.” says Howard Stratton, COO for Erwin Hymer Group North America, Inc. “We have been excitingly working on an Autonomous recreational vehicle and to be recognized for our work and dedication to technology is a huge stepping stone to allow us to take the vehicle to the next steps, to build and demonstrate the first autonomous recreational vehicle in the world.”

Technicians from Erwin Hymer Group North America.
Erwin Hymer Group North America has been in the testing stages of building an autonomous vehicle, and is excited to take the next step in the process. — Photo: Erwin Hymer Group North America, Inc.

The Ministry of Transportation will be holding a press event on Monday November 28th at the Region of Waterloo test track to formally announce Erwin Hymer Group North America and the University of Waterloo as participants into the program and show off the vehicles currently being worked on.

“As a company, we never stop developing new, groundbreaking technologies and innovations that leave the old way of thinking and building an RV completely behind.” states Jim Hammill, President and CEO of Erwin Hymer Group North America, Inc. “With the addition of Joel Adams, Director of Engineering and Innovation to our team we have been able to go further into technology developments leading to new innovations including the autonomous vehicle. The autonomous vehicle is the perfect addition to our existing innovative line-up featuring the industry leading and best-selling EcoTrek® and VoltStart technologies.”

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