Autonomous Peterbilt 579 test vehicle with Aurora Driver. Credit: PACCAR Inc.

Aurora, an autonomous vehicle technology start-up company, has signed a global, strategic agreement with PACCAR to develop, test and commercialise autonomous trucks.

PACCAR designs and manufactures light, medium and heavy-duty trucks under the Kenworth, Peterbilt and DAF nameplates.

Aurora co-founder and CEO Chris Urmson said: “Aurora is excited to take this next step in our collaboration with PACCAR.

“Working together, we’ve been impressed with PACCAR’s product engineering, manufacturing capabilities, and commitment to enhancing its customers’ operational safety and efficiency.

“This partnership brings us one step closer to unlocking the autonomous freight market and delivering goods to those who need them.”

The partnership will see the integration of PACCAR’s autonomous vehicle platform with the Aurora Driver to further improve the safety and operational efficiency of PACCAR’s customers.

Under this partnership, PACCAR has agreed to provide autonomous-enabled vehicles, as well as aftermarket parts distribution, finance and other transportation solutions.

On the other hand, Aurora has agreed to offer self-driving technology, including hardware, software and operational services.

Both companies have agreed to work on all aspects of the collaboration ranging from component sourcing to the integration of the Peterbilt and Kenworth vehicles with the Aurora Driver.

In addition, the partnership will see vehicle validation at the PACCAR Technical Center and production support in PACCAR factories.

PACCAR CEO Preston Feight said: “PACCAR looks forward to partnering with Aurora because of their industry-leading autonomous driving technology and impressive team.

“This strategic partnership complements PACCAR’s best-in-class commercial vehicle quality, technology and innovation.”

Last July, Aurora unveiled its plans to expand the testing of its fleet of autonomous vehicles in Texas.

The company will be testing its autonomous vehicle hardware and software installed in Chrysler Pacifica minivans, as well as Class 8 tractor-trailers at the Dallas-Fort Worth area within the next few weeks.