Freightliner Truck Gets Autonomous Vehicle License in Nevada

Like to drive your truck hands-free?

In a step towards the future of self-driving big rigs, Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval officially granted the first license for an autonomous commercial truck to operate on an open public highway in the United States to Daimler Trucks North America.

”The application of this innovative technology to one of America’s most important industries will have a lasting impact on our state and help shape the New Nevada economy” said Gov. Sandoval. “The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles has been closely monitoring the advancements being made in autonomous vehicle development and reviewed DTNA’s safety, testing and training plans before granting permission for this demonstration of the Freightliner Inspiration Truck.”

Daimler stressed that “the autonomous vehicle technology we are showcasing in the Freightliner Inspiration Truck will help reduce accidents, improve fuel consumption, cut highway congestion, and safeguard the environment.”

The truck’s name is “Inspiration” and Daimler Trucks says it’s the first ever self-driving semi-truck licensed to drive on public roads – in this case Nevada’s highways – not only for testing, but business, too.

Borrowing a line from astronaut Neil Armstrong, Dr. Wolfgang Bernhard of Daimler Trucks and Buses told the crowd bused to the site from Las Vegas for the news conference that they were about to witness “a short drive for man and a long haul for mankind.”

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