Navistar and autonomous truck software company PLUS are partnering to bring self-driving trucks to the roads using PLUS’ technology. (Photo: Navistar)
Navistar and self-driving truck software company Plus are teaming up to bring self-driving trucks to roads in Europe and the United States.
The two companies announced the partnership on Tuesday. Navistar, a subsidiary of Volkswagen Group and part of Traton Group, one of the largest commercial vehicle manufacturers, will integrate Plus’ self-driving technology into its vehicles for hub-to-hub operations.
In a news release, Plus announced that it will adopt its Level 4 autonomous Superdrive technology in autonomous base vehicles from Scania, MAN and Navistar.
“Plus is thrilled that our industry-leading self-driving software has been selected by TRATON GROUP’s impressive portfolio of well-known and trusted global commercial vehicle brands, including Scania, MAN and Navistar,” said Shawn Kerrigan, COO and co-founder of Plus. “Together, we will accelerate the global commercialization of Level 4 autonomous trucks and bring safer, more sustainable transportation solutions to market.”
The companies said the trucks have already been tested with safety drivers on public roads in Europe, San Antonio and Dallas. Plus said testing will expand to other routes in the Texas Triangle and on the Interstate 10 corridor. There are plans to begin trials in other parts of Europe later this year.
Customer pilots are expected to begin later this year, before mass production and global commercial deployment begins.
Tobias Glitterstam, Navistar’s chief strategy and transformation officer, said autonomous technology can improve operational efficiencies for long-haul fleets.
“Our global partnerships with companies like PLUS allow us to leverage the technological advances the company has made while we focus on the commercial feasibility of Level 4 autonomous driving,” he said.
Navistar previously partnered with TuSimple Holdings to put self-driving trucks on the roads for long-haul freight, but that effort fell through in 2022.
