Israel eyes autonomous car development
Representatives of various ministries hope to turn Israel into a global technological development center in the automotive field.
The Transportation Ministry said the team has been tasked with “designing a strategic plan for the move and creating a proper synergy between ministries for the purpose of properly preparing for the coming of the autonomous car.” The team is expected to meet regularly throughout the year to discuss opinions and examine various issues, including the ramifications on each ministry’s work.
The first discussion, held on Sunday, included 30 representatives from the Ministries of Transportation, Justice, Economy, Finance, and Environmental Protection, as well as the Tax Authority, Prime Minister’s Office, Electricity Authority, and the Office of the Chief Scientist.
It became clear during the discussion that the Transportation Ministry is debating which city should be crowned “the first autonomous city in the world”, in which experiments and adjustments will occur in preparation for the arrival of the autonomous vehicles. The Finance Ministry has emphasized the savings that could result from use of autonomous vehicles.
Avner Flor, who is senior director of the division of motor vehicles in the Ministry of Transport, said the ministry plans to pursue regulatory changes, development of special infrastructure, and resource allocation – all in order to transform Israel into a global technological development center in the automotive field.
