Volvo Unveils its Autonomous VNL Truck for the US

Paul Myles

TU-Editor

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28th September 2021

Volvo has unveiled its long-haul prototype autonomous truck that it hopes will a key step towards making Class 8 HGVs commercially in North America.

The project is a joint venture between Volvo Autonomous Solutions and Aurora whose driver technology is incorporated into Volvo Trucks’ flagship, long-haul VNL model. The automaker hopes the automated driving truck will also deliver comprehensive and seamless transport-a- a-service (TaaS) solutions for autonomous commercial trucks, tailored to individual customer needs.

While research and development are supported by global team efforts, on-highway autonomous truck applications are also being designed and engineered in the US in preparation for future production at Volvo Trucks’ New River Valley Assembly Operations in Dublin, Virginia. The Volvo VNL prototype employs proven safety technologies already in place on the model, including Volvo Dynamic Steering (VDS) and automated transmission (I-Shift).

The partners are working toward the next step in implementing their hub-to-hub transport vision in North America. This includes identifying specific regions and routes to serve as the initial hubs for on-road highway testing.

Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America, said: “We are proud that our Volvo VNL model will serve as the foundation for the development of North American autonomous trucks to offer our customers the next generation of safe, efficient and sustainable transport solutions.”

— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in Europe. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_