Semi-automated trucks to hit European roads

UK platooning trials expected to be announced in tomorrow's Budget

European truck manufacturers are to bring platoons of semi-automated trucks to public roads in April, crossing borders from various European cities in a bid to put the subject high on the agenda of EU policy makers.

The Platooning Challenge – organised by the Netherlands as part of its ongoing EU Presidency – fosters European cooperation between truck manufacturers, member states, logistics service providers, road operators, road and vehicle approval authorities, research institutes and governments. Such cooperation on platooning is vital to prevent countries from creating a patchwork of rules and regulations, which could hinder investments in automated and connected vehicles.

The truck platoons will all depart from their home base or production location. Scania will leave from Södertalje, south of Stockholm, driving through Sweden, Denmark and Germany to Maasvlakte II in the Port of Rotterdam, making a stop in Zolder, Belgium and in Zwolle, Netherlands. Volvo will start from Gothenburg, driving through the same countries, and stopping in Vilvoorde. Daimler will start from Stuttgart and MAN from Munich. Meanwhile, Iveco will depart from Brussels and DAF from their production location in Westerlo, Belgium.

Meanwhile, the UK government is set to give the green light to the UK’s first trial of truck platooning in tomorrow’s Budget. It is anticipated that the planned trial will involve platoons of driverless trucks, using cruise and proximity controls, tested on stretches of the UK’s motorways. It will look at the effect of platooning on reducing accidents and emissions, as well as improving traffic flow.