Its move onto US soil follows testing at a private facility in Oregon, and comes with the blessing of the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). The company will start by “pairing” two Freightliner New Cascadia trucks, and driving the digitally connected vehicles down certain highways in Oregon and Nevada. Larger fleet testing will follow in 2018.

“We see growing customer interest in platooning,” said Roger Nielsen, President and CEO of Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA). “This technology stands for more efficiency and safety. Platooning technology is not meant to replace drivers – it’s designed to help drivers. When the world is ready for platooning, DTNA will have a proven solution. Right now, we are driving Freightliners in platoons every day. I have personally driven one of our trucks in a connected mode. My experience has been impressive.”