German OEM Daimler has launched a truck platooning trial on public roads in the USA, and will evaluate its technology on two new, connected Freightliner Cascadia truck trailer combinations through pairing. The platooning technology has already undergone extensive analysis at the Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) proving ground in Madras, Oregon.
Some of the systems have also been trialled by Mercedes-Benz on trucks in Europe, such as in the European Truck Platooning Challenge 2016. Working together with its customers, DTNA aims to deepen its understanding of how platooning technology may impact fleet operations (e.g. dispatch, logistics, driver training) and will digitally test connected trucks in everyday transport business.
Roger Nielsen, president and CEO, DTNA, commented, “We see growing customer interest in platooning. This technology stands for more efficiency and safety. Platooning technology is not meant to replace drivers – it’s designed to help drivers.
“When the world is ready for platooning, DTNA will have a proven solution. Right now, we are driving Freightliners in platoons every day. I have personally driven one of our trucks in a connected mode. My experience has been impressive.”
October 12, 2017