Fleet Management News & Business Info | Commercial Carrier Journal
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/725427
commercial carrier journal | september 2016 31 Uber enters trucking via Otto acquisition T rucking technology startup Otto was acquired by ride-shar- ing tech giant Uber, and the two companies said they have plans for not only deploying an autonomous retrofit system on tractor-trail- ers but also bringing Uber-type technology to trucking to create a nationwide load-truck matching platform. The acquisition, terms of which were not announced, isn't Uber's first foray into trucking: Company co-founder Garrett Camp is an in- vestor in Convoy, an on-demand ser- vice that allows shippers to request a truck, get price quotes and track the cargo to its delivery. Otto was founded by former tech executives from major players such as Google, Tesla and Apple. The company announced in May its plans to develop a system that could con- vert traditional Class 8 trucks into self-driving vehicles. Its acquisition by Uber, however, paves the way for something more, Otto said. "By combining these two technol- ogies, we can create a freight net- work that is constantly learning and improving," the company said when announcing its acquisition by Uber. "Each truck that joins the network can provide valuable information that makes all other trucks safer and more efficient," Otto said. "In turn, drivers get paid more, and shippers get a more reliable service. Self-driv- ing trucks together with a market- place create a virtuous cycle where everyone benefits." – CCJ Staff Kenworth ending T660 production, adds new T680 daycab options K enworth will cease production of its T660 tractor later this year, signaling the end of the line for the truck that led the company's charge into modern aerodynamics and fuel efficiency. The truck maker will send the T660 out with a limited production run of 500 units. The truck has sold 60,000 units since its introduction in 2007. "It's been a good 10-year run," said Jason Skoog, assis- tant general manager of sales and marketing. Kenworth also is rolling out its Advantage package to T680 daycabs, targeting pickup-and-delivery and regional-haul operators. The company said the package offers up to a 6 percent fuel-efficiency improvement. The T680 Advantage Day Cab features an optimized powertrain that includes the 2016 Paccar MX-13 or MX-11 engine and the Eaton Fuller Advantage 10-speed automat- ed transmission. Those are combined with fuel-efficient Meritor MT40-14X drive axles rated at 40,000 pounds, Flow Below wheel covers and Kenworth's Driver Performance Assistant, Predictive Cruise Control and Neutral Coast. Kurt Swihart, marketing manager, said the daycab borrows fuel-efficiency optimization specifications and aerodynamic treatments from Kenworth's fuel-efficient T680 Advantage 76-inch sleeper. – Jason Cannon Otto and Uber envision bringing ride sharing-type technology to trucking to create a nationwide load-truck matching platform. Kenworth will send the T660 out with a limited production run of 500 units. The truck has sold 60,000 units since its introduction in 2007.