Navistar and TuSimple are codeveloping SAE Level 4 self-driving semi-trucks, with production targeted to begin in 2024.
Navistar, which produces International brand commercial trucks, proprietary diesel engines, and IC Bus brand school and commercial buses, also has taken a minority stake in self-driving technology company TuSimple, according to a news release. The fully integrated engineering solution the companies plan to create will be mass-produced using Navistar’s vehicle manufacturing capabilities.
TuSimple operates a fleet of 40 self-driving trucks in the U.S. and ships freight autonomously for companies like UPS and McLane Company, with routes between Arizona and Texas. The company plans to demonstrate completely driverless operations in 2021.
Navistar and TuSimple began joint development of pre-production units in 2018. This announcement marks the beginning of a full go-to-market production program.
“Autonomous technology is entering our industry and will have a profound impact on our customers’ businesses,” Navistar President and CEO Persio Lisboa said, according to the release. “Navistar’s strategic partnership with TuSimple positions us to be a leader in developing solutions for our customers by leveraging our organizations’ collective expertise to integrate our vehicle design and systems integration capabilities with TuSimple’s innovative autonomous technology.”
Once ready, customers will be able to purchase the fully autonomous trucks through Navistar’s traditional sales channels in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Navistar, TuSimple Partner to Develop SAE Level 4 Self-Driving Semi-Trucks
