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Volvo Trucks, the heavyweight subsidiary of the Swedish automaker, has just signed a brand new deal. For the first time, Volvo will supply a fleet of six fully autonomous trucks whose mission will be to travel five kilometers.
Autonomous trucks used for commercial purposes for the first time
The agreement was signed with Brønnøy Kalk AS, which operates a limestone mine in Velfjord in Norway. Autonomous trucks will have to move the loaded limestone to a port located five kilometers away, as early as next year. It may sound a bit early, but the risks are described as very low. The route traveled by the trucks is short and very little used, and will go through several weeks of in-depth badysis by the engineers before being operational.
Sasko Cuklev, Director of Standalone Solutions for Volvo Trucks, said in a statement: "By working in a confined area, on a predetermined route, we can find how to make the most of our offer and tailor it to the specific needs of customers. It's about collaborating to develop new solutions, offer more flexibility and efficiency, and increased productivity. "
For its part, the mining company is also pleased with the time savings – and therefore money – that this service will offer: "We continually seek to increase our efficiency and productivity. […] Becoming independent will greatly increase our competitiveness in a difficult global market. "
A truck manufacturer as a service provider
The second interesting point is the form of the agreement. Indeed, Volvo does not sell its trucks, it remains owner. The manufacturer offers its trucks as a service and the company Brønnøy Kalk AS will pay Volvo the ton of limestone arrived safely. This is a first in this regard, and it indicates how the transportation service could change in the coming years. If it proves convincing, it is likely that Volvo (and other manufacturers) will offer such offers in the years to come.
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