Scania begins platooning in Finland and Spain

The announcement that platooning will commence on a commercial basis in Finland and Spain marks the first customer agreements in Europe for semi-autonomous truck platooning on public roads.

The partnership with Ahola in Finland will also focus on developing other new transport technologies related to driver assistance.

Ahola Transport will use Scania trucks and technology on Finnish motorways to test semi-autonomous platooning formations with three or more connected trucks. During these tests, drivers will man all the trucks. However, the driver in the first truck will control the entire platoon and the following trucks will be driven autonomously.

Hans Ahola, CEO of Ahola Transport said: “For us it is important to enhance our drivers’ work situation with help of new technology. The planned solutions also help us to meet customer expectations for faster deliveries and environmental targets. Our association with Scania started with the first truck back in 1959 and we are pleased to extend cooperation to new solutions.”

In combination with platooning, new driver assistance functions will enable on-time delivery through optimised route planning and speeds for improved transport efficiency. In addition to the positive environmental effects of an improved traffic flow, the lower drag achieved through platooning reduces fuel consumption and thereby carbon emissions.

Mr Ahola said that these new technologies also have the potential to enhance the role of the truck driver. Since the lead truck controls the platoon, drivers in following trucks can, for example, perform administrative tasks. With more flexible regulations for driving time and rest periods, this could open increased opportunities for long-haulage drivers to return home instead of sleeping in the truck.

Meanwhile, the major Spanish transporter Acotral has now put two platooning convoys with Scania trucks into operation on its Ribarroja–Getafe and Valladolid–Getafe routes.

During several months of preparations, Scania and Acotral have worked together to implement smart transport systems on Spanish roads.

Following practical and theoretical training of drivers, a pilot test is now being carried out in actual transport operations. Two convoys with three Scania R 450 trucks each are now in operation between Ribarroja and Getafe, and Valladolid and Getafe, a distance of 350 and 200 kilometres respectively. Acotral and Scania will continue driving these routes until the end of April, when results will be analysed to consider possible extension to additional routes.

Founded in 1970, Acotral presently operates 1600 trucks with more than 6000 daily deliveries and is the primary transporter for Spain’s largest food retailer, Mercadona. Headquartered outside Malaga, Acotral has depots throughout Spain with subsidiaries in France, Italy, Morocco, Portugal and Romania.