Torc Robotics announces Penske Truck Leasing as test fleet truck maintenance service provider

BLACKSBURG, Va. — Torc Robotics, a pioneer in commercializing self-driving vehicle technology, has announced that Penske Truck Leasing will serve as the truck maintenance service provider for Torc’s autonomous test fleet.

“Penske Truck Leasing’s expertise and impressive track record in the global trucking industry will play a significant role in getting our trucks on the road and strengthening our goal of safe operations,” Michael Fleming, Torc founder and CEO, said. “Our objective is to integrate our trucks into the existing freight industry, and we are confident that a current industry leader, like Penske, will provide crucial support in doing just that.”

This agreement is part of Torc’s ongoing commercialization of autonomous trucks for long-haul applications, a news release stated.

Torc recently announced the Torc Autonomous Advisory Council (TAAC) in support of its goal to be the first scalable, profitable, commercialized Level 4 truck automation.

With Level 4 autonomy, drivers can shift safety-critical functions to the vehicle, which operates only if all required conditions are met. Whereas, no driver is required for Level 5 autonomy,

Penske Truck Leasing, along with key freight industry leaders, will provide guidance to Torc as it integrates with the freight network and tackles challenges beyond highway driving, the news release stated.

“We are very pleased to support Torc’s fleet uptime with our best-in-class truck maintenance program,” Paul Rosa, senior vice president of procurement and fleet planning at Penske Truck Leasing, said.

“This arrangement serves as a great complement to our work on the Torc Autonomous Advisory Council.”

The Trucker News Staff

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