Ush and Poppy Mobility have taken a significant step in revolutionizing car rentals in Belgium by introducing remote-driving technology at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges. This initiative, made possible through a partnership between the two D’Ieteren subsidiaries, aims to simplify car rentals by enabling vehicles to be delivered remotely. Users can request a car via the Poppy app, which will then be driven remotely to their location by Ush’s operators. Once delivered, users have the option to drive the car themselves or continue the journey under remote operation. This project is being powered by Vay, a company specializing in remote-driving technology, which has already seen success with a similar service in Las Vegas. Ush has secured an exclusive partnership with Vay to further develop and deploy this technology in Belgium.
The first deployment of this innovative service is taking place at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges in collaboration with Boluda, a global maritime services provider. Two remotely driven vehicles are currently operating within the port, offering employees in remote areas access to rental cars delivered in real-time. The port, already recognized for pioneering advancements in autonomous shipping and drones, continues to serve as a testing ground for cutting-edge mobility solutions. Key industry leaders, including Ush CEO Max Levandowski and Vay CEO Thomas von der Ohe, have emphasized the importance of regulatory collaboration in bringing this technology to European roads. Their goal is to establish Belgium as a leader in remote-driving services and pave the way for broader applications across Europe.
Having secured key regulatory approvals in 2024, Ush is following a structured, phased approach for the rollout of its service. The initial phase includes monitored test rides on a specific route, followed by gradual expansions to other parts of the port. By the end of 2025, the company aims for full-scale deployment, removing route restrictions and onboard safety operators. Poppy is also planning to extend the service to the city of Antwerp by 2026, pending regulatory developments. This initiative represents a significant shift in urban mobility, showcasing the potential of remote-driven vehicles in improving efficiency and accessibility while reducing the logistical challenges of traditional car rentals.
