Autonomous Vehicle Pioneer Recognized for Game-changing Contributions to Automotive Industry

David Hall, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Velodyne Lidar, Inc.

The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers (Auto Alliance), a trade association representing 12 automakers, honored David Hall, chief executive officer and founder of Velodyne Lidar, Inc., as an Autos2050® award winner. Hall was selected in the award’s Ingenuity category, which pays tribute to executives for demonstrating exceptional creativity and uniqueness.

“What I am looking for is the smile on someone else’s face when they get to use my product and get joy out of it”

Velodyne’s smart, powerful lidar solutions can advance port terminal automation.

The Auto Alliance recognized Hall as an industry leader by achieving his company’s goal of safe autonomous driving by providing some of the most advanced lidar sensors at automotive-grade pricing. The organization also saluted Hall for leading Velodyne in its launch of the World Safety Summit on Autonomous Technology in 2018 that seeks to educate the public, media, and industry about the benefits of autonomous vehicle (AV) safety and industry challenges. Auto Alliance also cited Velodyne’s close collaboration with Mothers Against Drunk Driving to promote safe mobility.

“David Hall was chosen as an Autos2050 award winner for making game-changing contributions to the automotive industry over the past year,” said Dave Schwietert, Interim President and CEO, Auto Alliance. “David’s ingenuity and product innovations in vehicle autonomy and driver assistance are bringing tremendous societal benefits by enabling greater motor vehicle safety, better commutes, and increased mobility options for people unable to drive.”

Velodyne Lidar’s Alpha Puck™, Ultra Puck™, and Puck™ surround view sensors (left to right)

Hall will receive his Autos2050 Award as part of the Autos2050® event, which includes a conference focusing on the crossroads of public policy and automotive technology to be held prior to the awards dinner on April 2, 2019 at the Andrew Mellon Auditorium in Washington, D.C.

“What I am looking for is the smile on someone else’s face when they get to use my product and get joy out of it,” said Hall, when asked about his invention. “It is an honor to be nominated by my peers for this prestigious award. Core to Velodyne’s mission has always been to advance vehicle autonomy while also improving the technology cost, convenience, and safety of driving.”