Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Plus to Start Mass Production of Autonomous Systems

Plus announced it plans to begin mass production of an autonomous driving system, in partnership with heavy truck manufacturer FAW, later this year.

May 11, 2021
Plus to Start Mass Production of Autonomous Systems

Plus announced it plans to begin mass production of an autonomous driving system, in partnership with heavy truck manufacturer FAW, in 2021.

Photo: Plus

2 min to read


Plus announced it plans to begin mass production of an autonomous driving system, in partnership with heavy truck manufacturer FAW, later this year

The PlusDrive autonomous system uses advanced sensing technologies, including radar, LiDAR, and cameras to provide a 360-degree sensing system. Data gathered through the sensors help the system identify objects nearby, plan its course, predict the movement of those objects, and finally control the vehicle.

Ad Loading...

In China, Plus will power the flagship product of FAW starting this year with the mass production of the FAW J7L3, which was jointly developed by Plus and FAW.

Plus also is working with some of the largest fleets in the U.S. and China to pilot commercial freight operations, as well as working with Iveco to jointly develop autonomous trucks that will be deployed across China, Europe and other geographies.

In the U.S., Plus was selected as the provider of 1,000 autonomy-enabled trucks to one of the largest private truck fleets and has already started delivering its initial batch of PlusDrive-enabled retro-fit units, Plus officials said in a press release.

Ad Loading...

Plus has established partnerships to power tens of thousands of supervised autonomous trucks in the next few years and plans to reach full autonomy with Level 4 trucks by the end of 2024, company officials said.

In addition, Plus’s software has been commercially validated by customers in the U.S. and China, and thousands of units have already been ordered or pre-ordered globally.

Plus expects to start generating revenue in 2021 from mass-produced and retrofitted trucks as the company begins its Level 4 truck production and delivery in China and the U.S. in 2021, company officials said.

More Equipment

Khaki-colored autonomous Peterbilt truck hauling triple trailers loaded with frac sand for Atlas Energy Solutions in the Permian Basin.
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseJuly 31, 2026

Atlas Expands Kodiak Driverless Truck Fleet in Permian Basin

Atlas Energy Solutions is expanding autonomous frac sand hauling in the Permian Basin with a second load-out location and plans for 100 driverless trucks by mid-2027.

Read More →
Equipmentby Jim ParkJuly 30, 2026

Putting Mack’s Command Steer to the Test

A test drive of Mack’s Command Steer active steering system evaluates how it can make truck driving easier and less tiring.

Read More →
Photo of Volvo VNL truck on highway with illustration of software over the air updates
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseJuly 27, 2026

Mack, Volvo Expand DEF Derate Software Updates

The updated software gives Mack and Volvo truck owners more time to address DEF-related issues before the engine derates or the vehicle goes into reduced-speed inducement, following new EPA guidance.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Graphic showing Rush and MCT logos with blue tractor pulling white refrigerated trailer in the background
Maintenanceby News/Media ReleaseJuly 24, 2026

Rush, MCT Team Up to Grow Refrigeration Service Network

The joint venture will operate MCT's network of Carrier Transicold dealerships and mobile service locations, with the companies promising greater service capacity and uptime for refrigerated fleets.

Read More →
EquipmentJuly 23, 2026

Cummins Adjusts 2027 Engine Rollout After EPA Proposal

The engine maker will gradually introduce its new Model Year 2027 diesel engines while continuing to offer current models during the transition, citing the EPA's proposed emissions rule changes.

Read More →
Blue International heavy-duty truck with Aurora driverless truck software coming head-on on an interstate highway
Equipmentby Deborah LockridgeJuly 22, 2026

Aurora Rolls Out Next Generation of Driverless Trucks for Commercial Freight

Aurora's latest autonomous trucks it's rolling out with International feature lower-cost hardware designed for a million miles as the company expands commercial driverless freight operations across the U.S. Sun Belt.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
YouTube thumbnail with Ingrid Brown, red Peterbilt truck behind her, and the words Classic Custom: Peterbilt 589: Heavy Duty Trucking Spotlight
Equipmentby Wayne ParhamJuly 20, 2026

Peterbilt 589 Spotlight: A Close Look at a Custom Working Truck [Video]

There's more to this customized Peterbilt Model 589 and Great Dane refrigerated trailer than chrome and stainless (although there's plenty of that too!) A veteran driver explains the design choices and practical features behind this working truck.

Read More →
Continental ContiTread HDL 5 EP
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseJuly 16, 2026

Continental Expands Retread Lineup With New ContiTread HDL 5 EP

New long-haul drive retread is designed to improve fuel efficiency, extend tread life, and lower fleets' cost per mile.

Read More →
Four men in suits on the National Mall with giant video screen showing capitol building in the background
Equipmentby Deborah LockridgeJuly 10, 2026

EPA Proposal Could Ease 2027 Truck Costs and Buying Uncertainty

The proposal doesn't change the tougher NOx standard, but it would revise key implementation requirements that manufacturers say have driven up costs and complicated fleet purchasing decisions.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Illustration showing Paccar MX engine with sketch illustration of DEF fill tank in background
Equipmentby Deborah LockridgeJuly 7, 2026

Cummins, Paccar Ease DEF Derates After EPA Guidance

Updated diesel engine software gives truck operators more time to address emissions-system issues while staying compliant with EPA emissions standards.

Read More →