Strengthening Partnership for Autonomous Middle Mile Logistics
Isuzu Motors Limited has announced a $30 million investment in Gatik AI, Inc. to enhance the development of autonomous driving logistics in North America. This partnership aims to advance Level 4 autonomous driving technology, focusing on middle mile logistics services.
Focus on Middle Mile Autonomous Driving
The collaboration between Isuzu and Gatik will involve designing and developing a new redundant chassis to ensure safety with autonomous driving systems. This initiative is part of Isuzu’s mid-term business plan, “ISUZU Transformation – Growth to 2030 (IX),” which includes autonomous driving solutions, connected services, and carbon neutral solutions. The goal is to launch a Level 4 autonomous commercial vehicle business by 2027.
Gatik’s Expertise in Autonomous Logistics
Gatik specializes in autonomous middle mile logistics, using Class 3-7 trucks for safe and efficient goods delivery. The company has commercially deployed its autonomous trucks in Texas, Arkansas, and Ontario. Gatik’s technology has already proven successful, with fully driverless commercial deliveries completed in 2021.
Isuzu’s Market Leadership and Technological Advancements
Through this partnership, Isuzu aims to strengthen its position in the LCF4 segment of the middle mile autonomous driving business in the United States and Canada. The collaboration addresses industry challenges such as driver shortages and increasing delivery demands. The new chassis, designed for autonomous systems, is expected to enter mass production in 2027.
Industry Milestones and Future Prospects
Gautam Narang, CEO and co-founder of Gatik, highlighted the significance of the partnership: “In 2021, Gatik launched the world’s first fully driverless commercial transportation service with a Fortune 500 retailer, and we are thrilled to be once again achieving an industry-first milestone by working with our partner Isuzu towards mass production of SAE Level 4 autonomous trucks. This partnership, coupled with Isuzu’s investment in Gatik, signals the company’s confidence in our technology and our world-class team, and we’re excited to bring autonomous transportation to the market at significant scale in the coming years.”
Hiroshi Sato, executive officer of Isuzu, emphasized the company’s commitment: “As part of our April 2024 mid-term business plan announcement, we are committed to establishing three pillars of new business for the future: autonomous driving solutions, connected services, and carbon neutral solutions. As part of our efforts to develop autonomous driving solutions, we’re delighted to be expanding our relationship with Gatik to be operation ready in 2027.”
