The Australia and New Zealand Driverless Vehicle Initiative (ADVI)

We are the peak industry advisory body that services the wide ecosystem of automated vehicle activities across Australia and New Zealand.

ADVI’s vision is to safely accelerate the adoption of driverless vehicles in Australia and New Zealand, and we are supported by over 150 partners from across the automotive, insurance, transport, motoring, parking, communications, banking, logistics, defence, technology and research sectors, as well as local, state and national governments.

ADVI made motoring history by successfully co-ordinating an on-road driverless car demonstration in Adelaide, South Australia in late 2015 – the first trial of its kind anywhere in the Southern Hemisphere.

Our education, advocacy and demonstration efforts help to inform and raise awareness, encourage community acceptance, and promote understanding of the lifestyle benefits of driverless vehicles, and economic opportunities that come with an automated vehicle industry valued at over $95bn per annum.

ADVI undertakes independent research to assist partners and the community to better understand the opportunities and barriers to the introduction of this technology.

We also develop and share expert thought leadership papers, and provide opportunity for Australian companies and researchers to collaborate in national and international projects.

As one of only a handful of countries pioneering on-road driverless vehicle research, Australia can become a global leader in driverless vehicle technologies and invigorate its automotive and technology sectors.

OUR TEAM

Michael Caltabiano

Michael Caltabiano is currently the Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Road Research Board and Chair of ADVI. He has over 25 years’ experience in the transport industry, with previous positions placing him in charge of the Australian Asphalt Pavement Association (AAPA) and as the director-general of the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR). He has extensive knowledge, not only from an engineer’s viewpoint, but from a change management perspective too. Michael is guiding ARRB to lead the charge in shaping our transport future.

Rita Excell

Since 2016 Rita has held the role of the Executive Director of the Australia and New Zealand Driverless Vehicle Initiative (ADVI) where she is responsible for delivering ADVI’s contribution to the safe and successful introduction of driverless vehicle technologies into Australia and New Zealand.

Rita has overseen the growth of the ADVI partnerships from 25 partners in 2015 to over 130 partners and growing today.

Irene Seah

Irene is the Administrative Coordinator for the ADVI office. She is the first point of contact on queries received by the office; managing and routing them appropriately.  Her responsibilities include supporting regular office operations; develop, review and update administrative systems; on boarding of new partners, scheduling of meetings and ensure processes are compliant with company standards and procedures.

Francis Cheong

Francis works as a technical representative and secretariat for ADVI, and at the same time is a Professional Engineer at the Australian Road Research Board (ARRB) within the Mobility Futures group.

Francis previously worked with AEV Robotics, a Melbourne-based electric vehicle start-up, during his undergraduate degree. He was also a part of Monash University’s Formula SAE team Monash Motorsport, within the Autonomous Systems section working on their driverless race car.

Guy Hand

Guy Hand is in charge of ADVI’s media outreach. He is the point of contact for any media enquiries about ADVI, or to organise media comment from ADVI personnel on any aspect of driverless vehicles in Australia and New Zealand. Before coming to the transport industry, Guy spent more than 25 years as a journalist, working for major news organisations such as the BBC, Australian Associated Press (AAP) and News Corp across print, digital, television and radio. Guy has an up-to-date understanding of what the media wants and needs through his work as a journalist, and most recently in media liaison, events management and digital media, social media management and communications.

Juliette Fox

Juliette enjoys taking the lead on furthering ADVI virtual and hybrid event solutions and supporting the knowledge and expertise our team has in delivering events, so that ADVI is able provide the best possible outcomes for our partners

STRATEGIC DOCUMENTS

ADVI HAS OVER 150 PARTNERS AND RAPIDLY GROWING

BECOME A PARTNER

Regardless of whether an organisation chooses to be a core or supporting partner, they still enjoy being an active participant in the future of Australian motoring.


What is the difference between the levels of support available?

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WHY PARTNER WITH US

ADVI offers organisations, expert insights and connections to leading researchers, investors, developers and government agencies in the driverless vehicle sector not only in Australia but globally. Introductions from ADVI have led to successful projects and partnerships for many of our partner organisations. If you are interested in doing business in Australia in this sector, an ADVI partnership is a must.

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