Sen. Peters Applauds DOT Competition for National Automated Vehicle Proving Grounds

WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), a member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee and co-founder of the bipartisan Senate Smart Transportation Caucus, released the following statement on the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) announcement of a competition to designate national proving grounds for testing and validating connected and automated vehicle technologies:

“In order to maximize the life-saving benefits of connected and automated vehicle technologies and keep America at the forefront of the auto industry, we must have the proving grounds to ensure these technologies are ready for our roads. I have strongly urged the Administration to designate national connected and automated vehicle testing facilities, and I’m pleased the Department of Transportation is moving forward with a competitive process to help the United States continue to be a leader in the development of advanced vehicle technologies. 

“Michigan has long been considered the automotive capital of the world, and our state has the world-class universities, engineering talent, manufacturing and auto research and development enterprises to remain the center of vehicle technology for the future. The American Center for Mobility in Ypsilanti will soon offer a large-scale facility for partners in academia, government and the private sector to come together to validate advanced vehicle technologies, and I believe this facility is a top contender to be designated as a national proving ground.”

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