Suzuki acquires strategic stake in Australian tech firm Applied EV

Japanese multinational corporation Suzuki has acquired a strategic stake in Australian technology company Applied EV for an undisclosed amount, according to an announcement Wednesday.

The strategic investments comes as Applied EVE seeks to accelerate its software development for next generation mobility.

Suzuki entered into an agreement with Applied EV in September 2021 and has since been evaluating the possibility of future collaboration.

The recent investment is another step to strengthen the relationship between the two companies and realise synergies like manufacturing and new business models.

Founded in 2015, Applied EV develops safety-rated, autonomous-ready, digital control systems and modular vehicle platforms for commercial applications. Applied EV is creating the future of transport with driverless, efficient transport solutions with Automotive Safety Integrity Level (ASIL) architected applications for the automotive and industrial sectors.

Applied EV’s core product, the Digital Backbone (DBB) is a purpose-built software control system for electric and autonomous applications. The DBB advances the digital capabilities of electric vehicles, in turn, reducing hardware complexity and manufacturing costs to optimise the deployment of autonomous driving technology and support the next generation of vehicle architectures to be completely Software Defined.

It is carefully crafted to comply with the highest safety ratings making it an ideal solution for Level 4/5 autonomous applications.

Applied EV also offers the Blanc Robot, which is powered by the DBB. The Blanc Robot is a cabinless, driverless vehicle, configurable for multiple autonomous commercial uses, including on-road and off-road applications. It is a turn-key solution for commercial and logistics customers.

Julian Broadbent, Applied EV co-founder and CEO, says the alliance is mutually beneficial as it brings together Applied EV’s innovative technology with Suzuki’s experience in building high quality and efficient vehicles.

“Suzuki is a highly respected automotive company, delivering millions of vehicles to customers globally. With over 100 years of expertise, strong values, and a huge market, we’re excited to see what the future will hold,” Broadbent said.