International Begins Autonomous Truck Fleet Trials With Partner PlusAI
📝 usncan Note: International Begins Autonomous Truck Fleet Trials With Partner PlusAI
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An autonomous Class 8 truck built by International in collaboration with PlusAI.
International Motors
Today, International Motors, LLC (International) announced the launch of customer fleet trials using second-generation autonomous vehicles, marking a significant step forward in the company’s autonomous truck product.
In partnership with PlusAI, International will start piloting its autonomous on-highway tractor along the Interstate-35 corridor between Laredo and Dallas with select fleet operators. The fleet trials will be managed from International’s autonomous hub in San Antonio, ensuring close collaboration with customers and a deeper understanding of real-world applications.
In the U.S., the major manufacturers of Class 8 truck tractors are Daimler Trucks, PACCAR, TRATON, and Volvo Group. International is the American subsidiary of globally-focused TRATON Group, which also includes MAN, Volkswagen Bus and Truck, Scania Trucks.
PlusAI is an artificial intelligence company pioneering AI-based virtual driver software for factory-built autonomous trucks. Headquartered in Silicon Valley with operations in the United States and Europe, additional PlusAI partners include Hyundai Motor Company, Iveco Group, Bosch, and DSV. PlusAI announced in June 2025 that it plans to go public via a merger with Churchill Capital Corp IX (NASDAQ: CCIX).
Autonomy From The Factory
The second-generation autonomous tractor features an updated sensor suite and computer which has been factory installed on an International® LT® Series powered by the S13® Integrated Powertrain and the latest generation AI-based SuperDrive™ autonomous driving software from PlusAI.
Trained directly from real-world driving data, SuperDrive is built on end-to-end AI models that make it easily adaptable to new routes, geographies, and driving conditions. The multimodal sensor kit combines imaging radar, lidar, and strategically placed cameras around the vehicle. With 360-degree vision, these technologies are intended to deliver precise and efficient autonomous operation while prioritizing safety and reliability.
“This pilot program is a big step toward seamless digital operations that are designed to deliver an exceptional customer experience,” said Tobias Glitterstam, Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer at International. “By working hand-in-hand with our customers, we are proving the commercial viability of autonomous technologies and providing innovative solutions that improve safety, efficiency, and the bottom line.”
Scalable Factory-Installed Autonomy
As part of broader efforts to drive the future of road freight, International and PlusAI are working to bring scalable, factory-installed autonomous solutions to the transportation industry. The collaboration builds on a shared commitment to creating hardware and software solutions that are both technologically advanced and commercially viable for hub-to-hub operations. The customer fleet trials represent a crucial opportunity to incorporate feedback and refine the autonomous solution.
“Deep customer collaboration is essential to understanding how autonomous systems can optimize freight routes, enhance safety, and lower operating costs,” said James Cooper, director, Autonomous Business Development at International. “This shared learning will guide the roadmap for scaling autonomy across major freight hubs, beginning with key corridors like I-35.”
Setting the Stage for the Future of Freight
The level of activity in bringing scale-able autonomous trucking to the immense U.S. trucking market keeps rising. Trucking fleets want to see healthy competition across the truck-makers and each OEM has one or more partners to launch products. Like their competitors, International has been working with autonomy providers for many years, which has resulted in extensive in-house expertise for this purpose.
As the transportation industry continues to move toward an autonomous and connected future, International and its partners are laying the foundation for scalable logistics operations. International states that, by aligning innovation with customer needs, the company aims to enable safer, more efficient, and economically sustainable road freight.
In launching fleet trials at the OEM level is a significant step towards commercialization for International. As the company puts it, the goal is to “transform logistics with factory-installed, autonomous vehicle solutions that seamlessly integrate into real-world freight operations.”
Disclosure: Richard Bishop is an Advisor to and/or an equity holder in the following companies mentioned in this article: PlusAI.
