Iveco has launched a new Level 4 autonomous driving programme with technology partner PlusAI, marking the first planned deployment of heavy-duty autonomous trucks in Southern Europe.
The programme will see Iveco work with PlusAI, Spanish logistics operator Sesé, and the Government of Aragon.
Under the programme, Iveco and PlusAI will develop two heavy-duty trucks equipped with Level 4 autonomous driving systems powered by PlusAI’s SuperDrive virtual driver.
The vehicles will undergo multi-year testing from 2026, with a safety operator on board throughout the trial period.
The autonomous trucks will be based on the Iveco S-Way platform and are intended to operate on freight routes for Sesé between Madrid and Zaragoza, covering a corridor of around 300 kilometres.
Iveco Group chief technology and digital officer Marco Liccardo says vehicle automation is central to the company’s long-term strategy.
“Vehicle automation is a key pillar of Iveco Group’s technology strategy. We are thrilled to reinforce our strong partnership with PlusAI to further innovate our ADAS and ADS technologies on board Iveco trucks.
“This project will take us forward on our journey to offer customers the highest quality technology for increasingly sustainable transport,” Liccardo says.
PlusAI chief operating officer and co-founder Shawn Kerrigan says the programme highlights the potential benefits of autonomous freight technology.
“Autonomous trucks are a transformative technology that could dramatically improve road safety and reshape commercial freight transportation around the world.
“We are proud to extend our partnership with Iveco to cover Level 4 autonomous trucking operations in Germany and Spain,” Kerrigan says.
“Together with Sesé, we’re demonstrating how autonomous driving technology can improve the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of trucking, and strengthen the competitiveness of Europe’s supply chains,” he says.
Iveco says it has been researching and developing autonomous and connected driving solutions for several years, including joint testing and pilot programmes with PlusAI covering advanced Level 2+ and Level 4 systems.
PlusAI is entering its next phase of growth as a publicly traded company following its previously announced business combination with Churchill Capital Corp IX.
