Autonomous vehicle startup Aurora has entered a strategic partnership with PACCAR, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of medium- and heavy-duty trucks.
Under the partnership, the two companies will collaborate to test and commercialise autonomous Peterbilt and Kenworth trucks. It will also see the two companies work closely together to integrate PACCAR’s autonomous vehicle platform with the Aurora Driver to enhance the safety and operational efficiency of customers.
The partnership also includes vehicle validation at the PACCAR Technical Centre and production support in PACCAR factories.
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Aurora provides self-driving technology, including hardware, software and operational services. The company has received support from the likes of Amazon, Sequoia and the investment arm of energy giant Shell, putting its current valuation at $10 billion.
“PACCAR looks forward to partnering with Aurora because of their industry-leading autonomous driving technology and impressive team,” said Preston Feight, PACCAR chief executive officer. “This strategic partnership complements PACCAR’s best-in-class commercial vehicle quality, technology and innovation.”
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Chris Urmson, co-founder and chief executive officer, Aurora, said, “Aurora is excited to take this next step in our collaboration with PACCAR. Working together, we’ve been impressed with PACCAR’s product engineering, manufacturing capabilities, and commitment to enhancing its customers’ operational safety and efficiency. This partnership brings us one step closer to unlocking the autonomous freight market and delivering goods to those who need them.”
In December, Aurora acquired Uber’s Advanced Technologies Group, the ride-hailing company’s driverless vehicle division for around $4 billion. Uber’s CEO, Dara Khosrowshahi, also took a seat on Aurora’s board of directors.
