Navistar eyes connected future

Navistar is intensifying its efforts for developing the connected and automated trucks of the future, with the US manufacturer recently signing on among several other auto and technology companies to back a new and expansive University of Michigan test facility in the US.

The 32-acre 'MCity' site serves as a dedicated testing complex to help researchers and companies develop a variety of connected and automated vehicle technologies and essentially simulates an urban and suburban environment, complete with roads, intersections, buildings, street lights, traffic signals and signs, footpaths, and construction obstacles.

The facility is run by the University of Michigan's Mobility Transformation Center (MTC) – a public/private research and development partnership with the aim of developing "a commercially viable ecosystem of connected and automated driverless vehicles".

The body hopes to see a connected and automated mobility system in operation on the streets of south-eastern Michigan by 2021.

According to Navistar Group Vice President, Global Product Development, Denny Mooney, the opening of MCity shines a light on myriad possibilities for the future of transport in general, and road freight in particular.

"This is an exciting opportunity for Navistar to leverage our leadership in connected vehicle technologies and collaborate with others in the industry to make connected transportation a reality," he said.

"The innovation of today's connected vehicle technologies will drive significant improvements in the way people, goods and services move throughout society – and we're proud to play an important role in this transformation."

Mr Mooney said recent advances in the sphere, such as the release of Navistar's OnCommand Connection telematics software, are already delivering major benefits.

"Connectivity offers the trucking industry the potential for transformational change in productivity and efficiency," he said.

"This is an area where Navistar truly is leading the industry. Our open integration strategy for connected vehicle technology mirrors the approach we take by working with world-class, global component suppliers. We bring the best thinking from suppliers and new technology, wherever it was invented, and integrate it into our vehicles."

Navistar is a founding member of the Mobility Transformation Center's Leadership Circle and the only heavy-duty truck manufacturer participating in the initiative. Leadership Circle member companies also include Honda, Ford, General Motors, Qualcomm, State Farm, Toyota and Verizon, among others.

Together, these companies will join with government and academic partners to lay the foundations for a commercially viable system of connected and automated vehicles.