Self-driving trucks the future

Mercedes-Benz Trucks has presented a technological breakthrough in road transportation on a section of the A14 autobahn near Magdeburg in Germany: the “Future Truck 2025” – the world’s first autonomously driving truck.

The new cutting-edge technology, the Highway Pilot, makes it possible to drive autonomously at the maximum allowed speed on the highway.

It is based on intelligent networking of all the safety systems already available, together with cameras, radar sensors and communication links between the truck and its environment.

This makes the truck of tomorrow even more efficient, safer and highly networked – and with it the entire long-distance haulage sector.

Dr Wolfgang Bernhard, the member of Daimler’s board of management responsible for Daimler Trucks and Buses noted: “Autonomous driving will revolutionise road freight transport and create major benefits for everyone involved.

“With the Future Truck 2025, Mercedes-Benz Trucks is highlighting its pioneering role in innovative technologies and opening up a new era in truck transport. We aim to be the number one manufacturer in this market of the future, which we believe will offer solid revenue and earnings potential.”

“The ‘Future Truck 2025’ and its spectacular presentation recently are an outstanding team effort by all the departments involved, above all our engineers and developers in Germany,” said Justin Whitford, general manager, Mercedes-Benz Truck & Bus.

“This breakthrough represents the attitude we all share at MercedesBenz Trucks: we are shaping the future of transport with ideas, passion and dedication. We are the technological leader and pacemaker for an entire industry. That is our motivation, and we can be proud of it.”

At present it is still disguised with adhesive foil, but at the International Commercial Vehicle Show (IAA) in Hanover in September, MercedesBenz Trucks will also be presenting the design of this truck of the future.