The results demonstrated key benefits of autonomous truck technology – enhanced safety, greater efficiency and reduced fuel consumption. These were the first public road trials of Iveco’s technology in Germany, involving the drugstore chain dm-drogerie markt and logistics operator DSV. Following several months of intensive testing, technology validation and driver training, the semi-autonomous solution was deployed for deliveries between two warehouses in Krefeld and Hennef.
“This successful test marks another key step on our journey towards the commercialisation of highly automated driving technologies in the logistics sector. Thanks to this pilot collaboration, we were able to assess the capabilities of our advanced driver assistance system in real operating conditions, confirming improvements in safety, fuel economy and overall driving performance,” said Marco Liccardo, Chief Technology & Digital Officer at Iveco Group.
Liccardo emphasised that the results confirm automation will not replace drivers but instead enhance their performance by reducing fatigue, assisting with complex manoeuvres, and creating a safer, more productive working environment.
“At Iveco Group, we believe the future of logistics lies in smart, sustainable and human-centric innovation,” he added.
The pilot confirmed expectations, particularly in terms of improving safety and reliability.
“The autonomous driving system consistently demonstrated safe driving behaviour – especially when maintaining lane discipline, changing lanes, and responding to predictable driving scenarios,” Iveco noted.
The automated control system was jointly developed by the truck manufacturer and Silicon Valley-based autonomous driving software company Plus. The Iveco S-Way is equipped with Plus’s AI-powered, highly automated solution and advanced sensors including lidar, radar and cameras, providing the driver with 360-degree visibility and new ways to monitor traffic and road conditions. The system can safely and automatically perform routine motorway manoeuvres, such as keeping the vehicle centred in its lane and changing lanes (either initiated by the driver or prompted by the system), while the driver supervises. It also helps reduce fuel consumption by approximately 10%.
“It has been extremely valuable for dm and the other project participants to gain hands-on experience and insight into how the automated trucks developed by Iveco and Plus can enhance safety, efficiency and fuel economy. We look forward to bringing these highly innovative vehicles to market. We also hope to attract more people to this respected profession, as there is currently a shortage of nearly 200,000 drivers in Europe – a figure projected to rise to 700,000 by 2028. Autonomous driving technology will significantly improve working conditions, reduce mental and physical strain, boost safety and enable much greater diversity in the driver pool,” said Peter Matthiesen, Senior Director, Group Innovation, Mobility & Truck Technology at DSV.
“We are focusing on warehouse-to-warehouse operations, as the technology is ideally suited to repeatable processes where sufficient data is available,” Matthiesen added.
Factory-built fully autonomous trucks are expected to be commercially available in the United States by 2027, with Europe to follow thereafter.
