World's First Continental Convoy Driving Challenge Comes to an End
Published On Apr 07, 2016
Netherlands has recently kick-started the European Truck Platooning Challenge, as part of its presidency for the European Union. All major members of the European Automobile Manufacturers Association including Scania, Daimler Trucks, IVECO, MAN Truck & Bus, and Volvo have risen to the challenge. Six platoons of semi-automated smart trucks have participated in this world's first cross-border initiative. These smart trucks have traveled across the cities of Europe before finally ending their journey at the Port of Rotterdam today.
Trucks participating in truck platooning challenge follow each other and maintain close distance with the help of connectivity technology. In addition to this, automated driving support system also plays its part.
“The results of this first ever major try-out in Europe are promising. The hands-on experience gained here will be very useful in the informal European transport council on 14 April in Amsterdam. It will certainly help my colleagues and I discuss the adjustments needed to make self-driving transport a reality,” said, Melanie Schulz, the Dutch minister for Infrastructure and the Environment.
After the successful conclusion of Truck Platooning Challenge, operators across the transport sectors and other business units including Unilever have expressed positive intent over the initiative.
“It is precisely for this reason that we believe that the European Truck Platooning Challenge has been a huge success: it has fostered much-needed cooperation between all relevant stakeholders right across the EU, facilitating cross-border driving, and encouraging compatibility on legal and technical issues. We look forward to harvesting the learnings from this initiative so that, together, we can make truck platoons a common sight on Europe’s roads in the future,” said Mr Schippers.
The testing phase is perhaps the most important step for any vehicle industry and technology. Countries across the European Union are adept at offering the trucking industry ample opportunities to test their new smart vehicles and their technologies.
See Also:
Daimler Takes Part in Cross-Continent Platooning Event
Volvo Initiates Trans-Nation Drive Across Europe as part of Platooning Demonstration
