Using Scania trucks, self-driving technology company TuSimple and OEM TRATON GROUP will operate the first SAE level 4 autonomous hub-to-hub route between Södertälje and Jönköping in Sweden.
Through the global partnership, TRATON has taken a minority stake in TuSimple, according to a news release.
“The global partnership with TuSimple is another step toward becoming a Global Champion. Innovative future technologies that provide additional value to our customers represent a key part of our strategy,” TRATON Group CEO Matthias Gründler said, according to the release. “The first test vehicles underway are aiming for Level 4 (high automation). TuSimple has already been trying out its technology since 2015 with several million test kilometers on public roads and is a leading developer of autonomous driving, for example in the fields of perception and night vision.”
The goal is to test driverless truck fleets throughout Sweden, Germany and other countries. Deploying driverless trucks for long-distance freight transportation can increase safety, efficiencies, reduce fuel consumption and operating costs. It also helps increase overall truck capacity use and alleviate the impact of driver shortages.
