Full Breakdown
IVECO and Plus Launch Southern Europe's First Level 4 Autonomous Trucking Program
1/16/2026, 12:53:23 AM
Overview of the Initiative
IVECO and Plus have announced a groundbreaking initiative to deploy Southern Europe's first Level 4 autonomous trucking program. This partnership aims to test two heavy-duty IVECO S-Way trucks equipped with Plus's SuperDrive virtual driver software along a 300-kilometer freight corridor between Madrid and Zaragoza, Spain. The program is set to begin in 2026 and will involve multi-year trials with a safety operator present in each vehicle throughout the testing period.
Key Details of the Program
The collaboration will involve Spanish logistics operator Sesé and the Government of Aragon, who will support the operational aspects of the autonomous trucks. The trucks will be capable of fully autonomous operation within designated areas, although human safety drivers will be on board during the initial testing phases. This initiative builds on the existing partnership between IVECO and Plus, which has already seen Level 4 autonomous trucking operations in Germany.
Statements from Key Figures
Marco Liccardo, Chief Technology and Digital Officer at IVECO Group, emphasized the importance of vehicle automation in the company's technology strategy, stating, “Vehicle automation is a key pillar of Iveco Group’s technology strategy. We are thrilled to reinforce our strong partnership with Plus to further innovate our ADAS and ADS technologies on board Iveco trucks.” Shawn Kerrigan, Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder of Plus, highlighted the transformative potential of autonomous trucks, asserting that they could “dramatically improve road safety and reshape commercial freight transportation around the world.”
Implications for the Freight Industry
This initiative is expected to significantly enhance the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of trucking operations in Europe. By demonstrating the capabilities of autonomous driving technology, IVECO and Plus aim to strengthen the competitiveness of European supply chains. The deployment of Level 4 autonomous trucks could lead to a paradigm shift in how freight is transported across the continent.
Criticism and Opposition
While the initiative has garnered support for its potential benefits, there are concerns regarding the implications of autonomous trucking on employment within the logistics sector. Critics argue that increased automation could lead to job losses for drivers, raising questions about the future of work in the industry.
What's Next
As the program progresses, further developments are anticipated, including potential expansions of the testing corridor and additional partnerships within the logistics sector. The outcomes of these trials will be closely monitored to assess the viability and safety of autonomous trucking in real-world conditions.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Marco Liccardo, Chief Technology and Digital Officer at Iveco Group, said: “Vehicle automation is a key pillar of Iveco Group’s technology strategy.” — Marco Liccardo, Chief Technology and Digital Officer, IVECO Group
- “ Shawn Kerrigan, Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder of Plus, added: “Autonomous trucks are a transformative technology that could dramatically improve road safety and reshape commercial freight transportation around the world.” — Shawn Kerrigan, Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder, Plus
