XL Parts stores in Houston, Texas, will soon trial self-driving Autonomous Delivery Vans (ADVs) for deliveries, thanks to deal with world-leading autonomous delivery van company Udelv.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, DECEMBER 2018: World-leading autonomous delivery van (ADV) company Udelv, has today announced it has signed a major deal with Texas-based automotive aftermarket parts distribution business XL Parts to use self-driving delivery vans in Houston, Texas.
The agreement, which will see Udelv provide up to 10 ADVs to the auto parts distribution company, will make XL Parts the first automotive aftermarket parts distribution company in the world to make a significant investment into autonomous deliveries.
The trial will begin with the first vehicle being delivered towards the end of H1, 2019 and up to 9 additional vans to be delivered thereafter. All vehicles during the trial will operate with safety drivers until both companies and regulators deem them approved for safe driverless operation, but they will emulate a fully automated delivery operation from every other aspect.
The custom-made cargo vans (SAE L4[1] ADVs) are the world’s leading ADVs for public road driving and will be the latest tech to hit the streets of Texas. This announcement is one of a series of other meaningful deals announced or about to be announced by Udelv for 2019. It demonstrates Udelv’s vehicle versatility with regards to the nature of goods its vans are capable to carry and the distances it can cover per cycle.
According to Mike Odell, President & CEO of XL Parts and Marubeni Automotive Aftermarket Holdings:
“In Houston alone, we deliver well over 10,000 automotive parts to professional automotive service and & repair shops every day … and most of the time we do it in about 30 minutes. To do that requires millions of parts in stock, precise timing, hundreds of vehicles, and a large investment in technology. To remain the leader in our markets we are constantly exploring the latest developments for our business and for our customers’ businesses. This investment with Udelv in autonomous delivery vehicles allows us to advance our business and to understand the future of our industry at the same time.”
Udelv CEO, Daniel Laury said the deal was a significant step into the advancement of autonomous delivery for the benefit of businesses and their customers who will be provided with cost effective and convenient shipping options.
“XL Parts is one of America’s forward-thinking parts distributors looking at how they can provide outstanding customer service to their clients by embracing new technology and looking for cost-effective methods of delivery. Now more than ever, retailers know to be competitive they need to stay ahead of the curve. XL Parts is leading the way, particularly in Texas where this project will be the first and largest of its kind in this industry.
“At Udelv, we’ve tested and proven our ability to successfully and safely make deliveries for American businesses. We’ve conducted over 1,000 deliveries on public roads with a safety driver already in the San Francisco Bay Area on behalf of more than a dozen paying clients, and we’re ready to bring the same benefits to the Texas community,” he said.
For more information, visit www.udelv.com
About XL Parts:
XL Parts is the fastest growing Direct-to-the-Mechanic automotive parts supplier in the South Central U.S. The company carries 150,000 sku’s of automotive parts from 175 different suppliers, with good/better/best and original equipment choices for customers depending on the specific needs of their service customers. XL Parts currently operates distribution centers and approximately 100 local warehouse locations in Houston, Dallas/Ft. Worth, San Antonio, Southern Louisiana and Oklahoma City. Technology is an integral component of the company’s operating model for customer service and resource management. XL Parts’ sister company, The Parts House, is the fastest growing Direct-to-the-Mechanic automotive parts supplier in the Southeast U.S.
