Truck maker PACCAR and self driving start-up Aurora have partnered to develop and commercialise autonomous Peterbilt and Kenworth trucks. The collaboration will integrate PACCAR’s autonomous vehicle platform with the Aurora’s self driving Driver system.

The goal of the collaboration is to improve freight efficiency and safety for PACCAR’s customers. Kenworth T680 and Peterbilt 579 trucks using the Aurora Driver are expected to be deployed in North America in the next several years.

PACCAR will provide autonomous-enabled vehicles from its range of light, medium and heavy freight trucks which are marketed under the Kenworth, Peterbilt and DAF nameplates. PACCAR also has established aftermarket parts distribution, finance and other transportation solutions.

Aurora will provide its self-driving technology, including hardware, software and operational services.

Both partners will work closely together on all aspects of the collaboration, from component sourcing and vehicle technology to the integration of the Peterbilt and Kenworth vehicles with the Aurora Driver. The partnership also includes vehicle validation at the PACCAR Technical Center and production support in PACCAR factories.

“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.”

Chris Urmson, Aurora co-founder and chief executive officer, added, “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.”