Top Autonomous Truck Companies Characterizing the Industry Dynamics

Autonomous truck companies manufacture and sell AI based self-driving trucks that are mostly adopted for commercial purposes. These trucks are also termed as robo trucks that are specifically designed to transport cargo with minimal human interaction. 

Some of the prime companies operating in this sector are-

Daimler Truck AG

Market Position or History 

• In May 2022, Daimler Truck AG announced to have acquired a 10% stake in Manz AG, a Germany based high tech machine manufacturer.  

Business Overview and Strategy 

Established in November 2019, the company has its headquarters in Leinfelden-Echterdingen, Germany. Daimler Truck is recognized as one of the world’s leading commercial vehicle makers. It has a diverse product portfolio and has recently penetrated into the autonomous vehicle sector.  

It is worth noting that the company has attained a clear roadmap for the delivery of fully automated trucks. It envisions to decrease the number of road mishaps and offer a comfortable driving experience to the customers through the self-driving technology.  

Scania AB

Market Position or History 

• In November 2020, Scania AB announced the acquisition of Chinese truck company Nantong Gaokai. Through this acquisition, Scania can now obtain truck manufacturing license in China.  

Business Overview and Strategy 

The company was established in 1891 by Gustaf Erikson. It has its headquarters in Södertälje, Sweden. It is known for manufacturing commercial vehicles, diesel engine for heavy vehicles, along with other industrial applications.  

Scania AB has also amplified its portfolio by adding an autonomous truck range, the Scania AXL into it. The company intends to make use of advanced technologies like the AI to transform the commercial transportation vertical.  

AB Volvo

Market Position or History

• In August 2021, AB Volvo announced the acquisition of Jiangling Motors Corp’s heavy duty truck subsidiary for USD 1.1 billion.  

Business Overview and Strategy 

The company was established in 1927 by Assar Gabrielsson and Gustarf Larson. It specializes in the manufacturing and sales of buses, trucks, construction equipment along with industrial and marine supply systems.  

AB Volvo has been taking extensive efforts to enhance its autonomous commercial vehicle portfolio. The company aims at making life better, easier, and safer for the masses through its advanced mobility solutions.  

Tesla

Market Position or History 

• In November 2021, Tesla announced to have completed the acquisition of SiLion, a battery startup based in Colorado.  

Business Overview and Strategy  

The company was founded by Elon Musk, Ian Wright, Martin Eberhard, JB Straubel, and Marc Tarpenning in 2003. Tesla, Inc. designs and manufactures a wide array of entities catering to sectors such as automotive, clean energy, and AI, among others. It is best known for its range of electric vehicles.  

It has also manufactured and commercialized both semi and fully automated trucks. The prime vision of the company is to transform the transportation sector by using high end technologies. It aims to reduce emission levels by pushing the masses to adopt sustainable mobility solutions like electric vehicles.  

Navistar Inc.

Market Position or History

• On July 1, 2021, The Traton Group announced the complete acquisition of Navistar Inc.  

Business Overview and Strategy 

Established in 1902, the company has its headquarters in Lisle Illinois, United States. It manufactures buses, trucks, along with engine systems for heavy duty vehicles.  

Navistar envisions to boost up the popularity of sustainable mobility. The company is striving to enter the autonomous vehicle sector and has accelerated its R&D activities to facilitate the same.