Skip advert
Advertisement

Suzuki Jimny transformed into driverless delivery van

Customisable autonomous vehicle is based on the go-anywhere 4x4, but that doesn’t mean a Jimny EV is on the way

Australian autonomous vehicle firm Applied EV has revealed a driverless electric car platform based on the underpinnings of the Suzuki Jimny. Called the ‘6th Generation Blanc Robot’, its maker says it’ll be ready for deployment later this year.

Seen in public for the first time at the 2025 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, the Blanc is the result of a partnership between the two companies, and sees the long-wheelbase Jimny architecture form the basis of Allied’s latest driverless platform. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

The vehicle is targeted at both last-mile deliveries, as well as deployment in industrial spaces where it can replace human drivers in situations that might be dull, dangerous, dirty or difficult, according to Allied. The table-top platform can be modified to act as a van, as well as for more bespoke applications – allowing it to operate in everything from huge warehouses to mines. 

The flatbed design is customisable, and the Jimny underpinnings mean it’s durable and capable off-road, according to Applied EV CEO Julian Broadbent. 

Suzuki and Applied EV have joined forces to produce the first 100 Blanc models, with the car maker manufacturing the body structures in Japan before shipping them to Australia to combine with Applied’s autonomous tech. The next step is to develop production into the thousands, with Broadbent pointing to worldwide demand, including the UK.

Despite the vehicle being based on Jimny, it doesn’t mean an electric Jimny is on the cards, with rumoured plans now said to be off Suzuki’s table. The brand, which appeared at CES for the first time in 2025, is instead gearing up to launch its first fully-electric vehicle in the form of the e-Vitara – a 248-mile EV sibling to the new Toyota Urban Cruiser.

Want the latest car news in your inbox? Sign up to the free Auto Express email newsletter...

Skip advert
Advertisement

As Editor, Paul’s job is to steer the talented group of people that work across Auto Express, Carbuyer and Driving Electric, and steer the titles to even bigger and better things by bringing the latest important stories to our readers. Paul has been writing about cars and the car industry since 2000, working for consumer and business magazines as well as freelancing for national newspapers, industry titles and a host of major publications.

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Radical Honda 0 SUV prototype makes public debut, and you’ll never guess who was driving
Honda 0 SUV prototype being driven by Max Verstappen - front

Radical Honda 0 SUV prototype makes public debut, and you’ll never guess who was driving

The new electric SUV will be pivotal to Honda’s future, and is due to go into production next year
News
3 Apr 2025
New Kia PV5 teaser images tell us it will look very different to its electric van rivals
Kia PV5 teaser - front

New Kia PV5 teaser images tell us it will look very different to its electric van rivals

Latest pictures show the Kia PV5 will bring concept looks to the commercial vans class as it gears up for unveiling this month
News
13 Feb 2025
Best used snow cars 2025
Best used snow cars - header image

Best used snow cars 2025

Don’t have the budget for a new car? These 10 great-value used buys also excel in the worst of the weather
Best cars & vans
11 Feb 2025
Modern car tech can do all sorts of things, if you’re willing to give up your privacy
Opinion - car tech privacy

Modern car tech can do all sorts of things, if you’re willing to give up your privacy

Are our cars becoming a bit too nosy? Editor Paul Barker shares his concerns
Opinion
15 Jan 2025

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: BYD Seal – signed, sealed and delivered for less than £305 a month
BYD Seal - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: BYD Seal – signed, sealed and delivered for less than £305 a month

The BYD Seal is a Tesla Model 3 rival, and a very good one at that. It’s our Deal of the Day for 31 March
News
31 Mar 2025
Best April Fools' Day jokes by car companies 2025
Best April Fools' day jokes 2025

Best April Fools' Day jokes by car companies 2025

We round up this year’s best car-related April Fools’ jokes, along with a few of the more famous japes from years gone by
Features
1 Apr 2025
SEAT Ibiza, Arona, Leon and Ateca get sporty upgrades thanks to new Black Editions
SEAT Black Editions

SEAT Ibiza, Arona, Leon and Ateca get sporty upgrades thanks to new Black Editions

This could be the final change ahead of updates to Ibiza and Arona later this year
News
1 Apr 2025