Isuzu invests P1.746-B for development of autonomous driving logistics business

MANILA: Isuzu Motors Limited has invested some US$30 million (approximately P1.746 billion) in Gatik AI, Incorporated to develop an autonomous driving logistics business in North America.

According to Isuzu, Gatik is the only company that provides autonomous middle-mile logistics services in North America. The California-based autonomous logistics company uses Class 3-7 self-driving trucks to deliver goods safely and efficiently.

Gatik — Isuzu explained — is particularly focused on middle-mile business-to-business logistics for large companies. The abovementioned Class 3-7 autonomous driving trucks are currently commercially deployed in Texas, Arkansas, and Ontario.

The agreement between Isuzu and Gatik aims to develop middle-mile autonomous driving and will include the design and development of a new chassis that ensures safety when equipped with an autonomous driving system.

Isuzu aims to aim launch a Level 4 autonomous commercial vehicle business in 2027.

“Through this partnership, Isuzu will enter the middle mile autonomous driving business in the LCF (Low Cab Forward) segment, where the company has already established a market leadership position in the United States and Canada,” Isuzu wrote in a press release.

“This advanced technology will also allow Isuzu to actively address pressing issues facing the industry, such as the worsening driver shortage and rapidly increasing delivery needs in North America. Moreover, the two companies will jointly design and develop a new chassis with safety performance that is compatible with the installation of an autonomous driving system with the aim of starting mass production in 2027,” it added.

Photos from Isuzu and Gatik

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