Chief of UK driverless car manufacturer named in ‘Power 250’

Posted on 19 Apr 2016 by Jonny Williamson

RDM Group’s growing reputation as a leading figure in the development of driverless vehicles has seen its CEO, David Keene named in the Power 250 for a major regional business publication.

David Keene, chairman, RDM Group.
David Keene, chairman, RDM Group.

David Keene, who started the business at his home 23 years ago, was named as one of the ‘Top Ten’ most influential manufacturing figures in the West Midlands by the Birmingham Post.

The automotive engineer joins illustrious company in the form of Lord Bamford (JCB), Stewart Towe (Hadley Industries), and Mark Selway of IMI.

Keene, who also sits on the Automotive Council and Niche Vehicle Network, commented: “This came as a massive surprise to me and everyone at the business; you don’t expect a SME like RDM to be included in such a prestigious list.

“We have certainly made some headlines in the last eighteen months with our involvement in ‘Lutz’, designing and delivering the UK’s first driverless car to Milton Keynes.”

The CEO, who was also named among The Manufacturer’s Top 100 most influential individuals in UK manufacturing, continued: “It goes to show that an innovative SME with vision can have a big say on the way new technology – that will change the world – is brought to market.

RDM Group's electric powered LUTZ Pathfinder pods can seat two people, reach a maximum speed of 12 mph and boasts a range of 40 miles.
RDM Group’s electric powered LUTZ Pathfinder pods can seat two people, reach a maximum speed of 12 mph and boasts a range of 40 miles.

“The recognition might say David Keene, but it has been a real team effort, with everyone going past the call of duty to meet deadlines and ensure the rest of the business is still performing.”

RDM Group, which employs more than 50 people at its facility in Coventry, is currently in discussions with a number of international partners on taking its driverless knowledge global.