Daimler Trucks has completed truck platooning trials in Japan with a Fuso Super Great, which was electronically connected in a semi autonomous platoon with other Japanese commercial vehicle manufacturers’ trucks.
These test drives took place between January 23 and February 1 on Shin-Tomei Expressway southwest of Tokyo and on Kita-Kanto Expressway, north of the Japanese capital.
The Japanese ministry of economy, trade and industry (METI) and the ministry of land, infrastructure, transport and tourism (MLIT) initiated the platooning test as part of the Japanese government’s Future Strategy 2017. The initiative aims to roll out innovations such as the Internet of Things, big data and artificial intelligence across various industries.
Martin Daum, member of the board of management of Daimler, responsible for trucks and buses, commented, “Two years ago, we demonstrated with Mercedes-Benz trucks in Europe that platooning can be done and is highly advantageous.
“Right now, we will continue developing the technology with Freightliner on public roads in the USA. Japan is a key market for us. That’s why we took part in the Japanese government’s initiative to push platooning further ahead in Asia and to remain in the lead in the development of this technology.”