PACCAR signed a global strategic agreement this week with American self-driving technology developer Aurora. The move helps PACCAR take a major step toward deploying Kenworth T680 and Peterbilt 579 trucks that use the Aurora Driver platform in North America in coming years. Along with Kenworth and Peterbilt, PACCAR designs and manufactures trucks under the DAF nameplate. The Aurora Driver platform combines hardware, software, and data services that enable the operation of passenger vehicles, light commercial vehicles, and heavy-duty trucks to support long-haul, local delivery, passenger transportation, and other applications.
PACCAR & Self-Driving Tech
Amazon and Sequoia are among the companies backing Aurora. Founded in 2017, its team includes several figures key in helping develop autonomous driving initiatives for Alphabet Inc., Tesla, and Uber, including CEO and co-founder Chris Urmson. Aurora says the ecosystem it’s building will provide the “benefits of self-driving technology safely, quickly, and broadly.” PACCAR’s partnership with Aurora will see it provide autonomous-enabled vehicles, and Aurora will provide the self-driving technology via hardware, software, and operational services. Vehicle validation will take place at the PACCAR Technical Center and production support will occur at PACCAR factories.
“Working together, we’ve been impressed with PACCAR’s product engineering, manufacturing capabilities, and commitment to enhancing its customers’ operational safety and efficiency,” says Urmson. “This partnership brings us one step closer to unlocking the autonomous freight market and delivering goods to those who need them.”
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Source: PACCAR