Volvo Trucks' electric, connected and autonomous vehicle Vera will form part of 
an integrated solution to transport goods from a logistics centre to a port 
terminal in Gothenburg, Sweden. The assignment is a result of a new 
collaboration between Volvo Trucks and the ferry and logistics company, DFDS

To view the Multimedia News Release, please click: 
https://www.multivu.com/players/uk/8556151-volvo-trucks-autonomous-transport/

The purpose of the collaboration is to implement Vera in a real application, 
enabling a connected system for a continuous flow of goods, from a DFDS' 
logistics centre to an APM terminal in the port, for distribution across the 
world. 

In 2018, Volvo Trucks presented its first electric, connected and autonomous 
solution, designed for repetitive assignments in logistics centres, factories 
and ports. Vera is suited for short distances, transporting large volumes of 
goods with high precision. 

"Now we have the opportunity to implement Vera in an ideal setting and further 
develop her potential for other similar operations," says Mikael Karlsson, Vice 
President Autonomous Solutions at Volvo Trucks.

The aim is to implement a connected system consisting of several Vera vehicles 
monitored by a control tower. The purpose is to enable a seamless and constant 
flow responsive to demands on greater efficiency, flexibility and 
sustainability. The collaboration with DFDS is a first step towards 
implementing Vera in a real transport assignment on pre-defined public roads in 
an industrial area.  

"We want to be at the forefront of connected, autonomous transportation. This 
collaboration will help us develop an efficient, flexible and sustainable 
long-term solution for receiving autonomous vehicles arriving at our gates, 
benefitting our customers, the environment and our business," says Torben 
Carlsen, CEO of DFDS.

The autonomous transport solution will be further developed in terms of 
technology, operations management and infrastructure adaptations, before it can 
be fully operational. Moreover, necessary safety precautions will be taken to 
meet societal requirements for a safe path towards autonomous transports. 

As Volvo Trucks gains more experience, Vera has the potential to be used in 
similar applications as a complement to today's transport solutions. 

"Autonomous transports with low noise levels and zero exhaust emissions have an 
important role to play in the future of logistics, and will benefit both 
business and society. We see this collaboration as an important start and want 
to drive progress in this area. Vera may have a speed limit, but we don't. 
Testing has already started and we intend to implement the solution within the 
coming years," adds Mikael Karlsson. 

Facts:

The assignment is to move containers from the DFDS logistics centre in 
Gothenburg to an APM terminal in the port according to needed capacity. 
The autonomous system is monitored by an operator in a control tower who is 
also responsible for the transport. 
The solution is suited for repetitive flows with a maximum speed of 40 km/h. 
Infrastructure adaptations are part of the scope in the implementation of the 
total transport system, including automated gates at the terminals. 
Volvo Trucks and DFDS are main partners but several actors are involved in 
implementing Vera's first assignment. 
DFDS provides ferry and transport services in Europe and Turkey, generating 
annual revenues of around DKK 17bn. The 8.000 employees are located on ships 
and in offices across 20 countries. DFDS is headquartered in Copenhagen, and 
listed on NASDAQ Copenhagen. 
The initiative is carried out with support from the Swedish Innovation Agency 
Vinnova, the Swedish Transport Administration and the Swedish Energy Agency 
through the Strategic vehicle research and innovation programme FFI.
Link to high-resolution images including high res video material for 
broadcasting (interview Mikael Karlsson and running footage) 
https://bit.ly/2WpzKjW

Link to video on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/embed/CMREUiQZSIs

Press images and films are available in the Volvo Trucks image and film gallery 
at http://images.volvotrucks.com

Volvo Trucks provides complete transport solutions for professional and 
demanding customers, offering a full range of medium to heavy duty trucks. 
Customer support is secured via a global network of 2,100 dealers and workshops 
in more than 130 countries. Volvo trucks are assembled in 15 countries across 
the globe. In 2018, more than 127,000 Volvo trucks were delivered worldwide. 
Volvo Trucks is part of Volvo Group, one of the world's leading manufacturers 
of trucks, buses, construction equipment and marine and industrial engines. The 
Group also provides complete solutions for financing and service. Volvo Trucks´ 
work is based on the core values of quality, safety and environmental care.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/901572/Volvo_Trucks.jpg 

For further information, please contact: Sara Kuylenstierna, Communication 
Manager, phone +46-31-3224729, e-mail sara.kuylenstierna@volvo.com

Source: Volvo Trucks