Autonomous
Autonomous technologies now drive significant change in trucking and freight transportation. Transport Topics autonomous coverage provides a comprehensive look at that change. It provides the latest details on deployment concepts such as advanced driver-assist systems, transfer hubs, teleoperations, platooning and off-road automation and latest analysis of the companies who are manufacturing, adopting and investing in these technologies. Readers can follow the impact such deployment has on everything from policy and infrastructure initiatives to highway congestion, fuel consumption, fleet management, driver management and business investment.
$59 Million in Vehicle Technologies Research Funding Available, Energy Department Announces
The Energy Department on April 3 announced that about $59 million is available for stakeholders seeking to develop projects that prioritize energy-efficient mobility systems, improve materials for powertrains, co-optimize advanced engine and fuel technologies, and create new mobility options.
Ford CEO Jim Hackett Tamps Down Expectations for First Autonomous Vehicles
Too much hype has built up about how soon self-driving cars will hit the road, but they will ultimately change the world, Ford Motor Co.’s CEO Jim Hackett said.
Let Congress Decide Privacy Safeguards for Autonomous Vehicles, 2020 Hopeful John Delaney Says
WASHINGTON — Questions regarding the use of data collected from self-driving vehicles will need to be addressed by policymakers when they craft a regulatory framework that would govern the technology in the coming years, a former member of Congress and 2020 presidential aspirant said April 3.
VW Joins BMW in Testing Self-Driving Cars on German City Streets
Volkswagen AG has started testing five electric and highly-automated versions of its Golf compact cars on the streets of Hamburg, Germany.
Even Tech Companies Say, ‘There Are Always Going to Be Truck Drivers’
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Is technology in the trucking industry moving too fast for the men and women who sit behind the wheel of big rigs? That was a concern voiced by a number of truck drivers attending a March 29 session at the 2019 Mid-America Trucking Show.
Senate Confirms Nason to Lead FHWA
President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Federal Highway Administration was easily confirmed March 28.
Editorial: Joining Forces for the Future
Journalists love it when big news breaks. As last week drew to a close, two significant deals involving major players in the commercial truck industry made headlines and landed on the front page of the April 1 issue of Transport Topics.
March 29, 2019Daimler Acquires Majority Stake in Torc Robotics to Boost Development of Self-Driving Trucks
Daimler Trucks has agreed to acquire a majority stake in autonomous vehicle pioneer Torc Robotics and will join forces with the technology firm to develop highly automated trucks for the U.S. market.
Smart, the Tiny Daimler Car That Refuses to Die, Heads to China
Since its introduction two decades ago, the diminutive Smart has sat awkwardly alongside the imposing, autobahn-eating cars that have made Daimler AG the king of the road.
March 28, 2019ZF Signs Definitive Agreement to Acquire Wabco
ZF Friedrichshafen AG, a global supplier of mobility systems for commercial vehicles, passenger cars and industrial technology, announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Wabco Holdings Inc. for $7.1 billion, or $136.50 per share.