Torc Robotics Unveils Growth Strategy for 2025
Based in Virginia, Torc Robotics, a subsidiary of Daimler Truck AG, embarks on 2025 with an updated strategy. The company plans to establish an autonomous hub in Texas and expand its software presence in Michigan.
This expansion comes at the cost of closing down its testing facility in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and its technology hub in Stuttgart, Germany. Andrew Culhane, Torc Robotics' chief commercial officer, explains, "As we shift our focus to testing and developing our launch lane from DFW to Laredo, we need to relocate resources to areas aligned with our future plans."
Torc Robotics recently acquired a facility in the Dallas-Fort Worth area to serve as its autonomous truck hub. The proximity to Laredo, Texas, a major freight route, played a crucial role in the selection.
In October 2024, Torc Robotics successfully completed a driverless test of its autonomous truck on a multilane closed course, marking a significant milestone.
Amazon Orders Electric Trucks from Mercedes-Benz
Amazon has placed an order for 200 eActros600 electric trucks from Mercedes-Benz Trucks, expanding its fleet to 38 electric heavy goods vehicles (eHGVs) operating in Europe. The eActros600 features a high-capacity battery of over 600 kilowatt-hours, enabling a range of 310 miles without recharging.
Mercedes-Benz Trucks highlights the truck's higher gross combined weight (GCW) of 88,000 pounds compared to the maximum GCW of a U.S. battery-electric Class 8 of 82,000 pounds.
Aurora Innovation Sues FMCSA over Roadside Warning Exemption Denial
Autonomous truck maker Aurora Innovation Inc. has filed a lawsuit against the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for denying its request for a five-year exemption from roadside warning devices. The lawsuit argues that the FMCSA's ruling is "unlawful, arbitrary, capricious, and an abuse of discretion."
Aurora Innovation claims that data it provided exceeds FMCSA requirements, demonstrating that cab-mounted warning beacons achieve an equivalent or higher level of safety compared to human-placed devices. Despite the FMCSA's denial, Aurora Innovation plans to launch its driverless trucks in April and comply with existing regulations.
Other Notable News
- The Commerce Department has finalized a rule restricting automotive technology from Russia and China from U.S. supply chains, potentially impacting the trucking industry in the future.
- The withdrawal of California Air Resources Board's request for an EPA waiver on the Advanced Clean Fleets rule has created uncertainty for electric trucks in California.